🇮🇸 Iceland: RÚV Communicates Minister’s Position on Israel’s Eurovision Participation to the EBU

The Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has communicated with the EBU the Icelandic Foreign Minister’s view that Israel should not be competing in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Following comments from the Icelandic Foreign Minister earlier this week, that she is not in favour of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, the public broadcaster has shared her concerns with the European Broadcasting Union. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking on April 22, commented:

“As an ordinary citizen, I find it strange and actually unnatural that Israel is allowed to participate in Eurovision, given the war crimes, and in fact the ethnic cleansing that has taken place in recent weeks and months in Gaza. Then there is the other thing, that this is a decision by European television stations, where, among other things, Iceland, through the Icelandic National Broadcasting Corporation, has the right to participate, and I don’t find it unusual that it would be covered in that forum.”

The Minister went on to explain that should continued to believe Iceland should participate regardless of whether Israel participates but that:

“I think Iceland should look into this and lobby within the European Broadcasting Union regarding Israeli participation”

Rúnar Freyr Gíslason the media representative for Iceland’s delegation responded to the comments, stating:

“now finally this unequivocal opinion is being expressed and now we have informed our colleague at the EBU of this.”

Iceland is one of three broadcasters to have share their view with the European Broadcasting Union that a debate should take place regarding whether Israel should be allowed to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest. Several months ago, the council of Slovenia’s RTV SLO directed the broadcaster’s Management Board to initiate a request with the EBU for Israel not to participate in the contest. While RTVE of Spain raised its view regarding need for debate with the EBU, who responded that:

“We welcome RTVE confirming their commitment to the Eurovision Song Contest and appreciate there are concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East.

All Members of the EBU are eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest and we remain in constant contact with those participating this year, including RTVE, on all aspects of the Contest.”

Image source: SRG SSR & EBU | Source: Visir / RÚV

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