The public broadcaster of Slovenia, RTV Slovenija, has left open the possibility of withdrawing from Eurovision 2026, as the draft programme for next year does not include the country’s participation in the contest. According to TV Slovenija, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland are also considering a potential boycott if Israel is ultimately allowed to compete.
The chairwoman of the management board of RTV Slovenija, Natalija Gorščak, clarified that Slovenia’s stance will depend on next Thursday’s vote at the EBU General Assembly, where member broadcasters will decide on Israel’s participation or exclusion from the contest.
She specifically stated the following:
If next week, on Thursday, when the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is expected to vote on whether Israel will participate in Eurovision or not, it happens that Israel ultimately will not take part, then we will propose to the council a change to the programming and production plan and, of course, we will participate in the festival.
Therefore, if the EBU decides to exclude Israel, RTV Slovenija intends to adjust its programming strategy and submit a regular entry for Eurovision 2026. However, if Israel remains on the list of participants, Slovenia appears determined to abstain.
The final decision is expected after the crucial EBU vote next week.
Source: RTVSLO
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