The political support that Israel has been receiving in recent days from various European officials continues. After the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and French President Emmanuel Macron, it was now Austria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sepp Schellhorn who called on his country’s public broadcaster, as well as the EBU, not to succumb to blackmail regarding Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026, which will take place on May 13, 15, and 17 in Vienna.

Speaking to the newspaper Kurier, Sepp Schellhorn expressed his regret over the countries that have declared their intention to boycott the upcoming contest if Israel is allowed to participate.

“Cultural boycotts are foolish and futile; they do not help us move forward.”

Austria’s Deputy Foreign Minister, responsible for European Affairs, acknowledged every country’s right to decide whether to participate in Eurovision 2026 or not, but urged both the EBU and Austria’s public broadcaster not to give in to blackmail, as expelling Israel would be a “mistake.”

“These countries are democracies. If one of our neighbors decides not to participate, Austria must take note. However, yielding to pressure or blackmail would be a mistake.”

Mr. Schellhorn even mentioned that he is considering taking the initiative to send a letter to his European counterparts, advising them not to take part in the boycott of the contest — a boycott already announced by the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain.

“Above all, this is a competition between musicians and artists. Confusing their role with the politics of a country seems very problematic to me.”

It should be noted that in recent days both the General Director of ORF and the company’s Board of Directors supported Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, emphasizing the apolitical character of the contest and the fact that it involves public broadcasters, members of the EBU, and not the governments of the participating countries.

The final decision on Israel’s participation will be taken at the EBU’s General Assembly in Geneva on December 4–5. Public broadcasters, members of the union, have until mid-December to confirm their participation without facing any penalty for withdrawal.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Proto Thema