In what will go down as a historic day for the Eurovision, the European Broadcasting Union has thrown its support behind Israeli broadcaster Kan’s desire to participate in the 70^th Eurovision Song Contest.

Still trying to make sense of Thursday’s vote, Jan and Dave try to collect their thoughts in an impromptu and unscripted episode, as they ponder if Eurovision can keep going on its current path.

Immediately after the vote, Eurovision’s Director was interviewed by SVT and shared these comments about what transpired:

“I can tell you, it was a full, frank, honest and moving debate, but as we can see from the emphatic result, what they [the EBU member-broadcasters] really came together on is the belief that the Eurovision Song Contest shouldn’t be used as a political theatre, it must retain some sense of neutrality. Remember, it is not governments that participate in Eurovision, it is public service broadcasters and artists, and I think the conclusive result today underlines and backs that.”

— Martin Green, Eurovision Song Contest Director

Moments after voting results at the EBU’s General Assembly were made public, statements from broadcasters in Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and The Netherlands all announced the withdrawal of their respective countries from Eurovision 2026.

This gives a current total of 32 countries who have publicly confirmed their intent to compete at Eurovision in Vienna next May. Broadcasters in Belgium and Iceland are yet to react to today’s vote, and will announce their decisions in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the broadcasters from Armenia and Georgia have yet to publicly make any decisions, but are expected to be on the final list of participants for Eurovision 2026.

Barring any surprises (i.e. Canada, Kazakhstan, or Kosovo getting an invite to Vienna), the maximum number of participants would now be a mere 36 — a low since the Semi Final was introduced in 2004.

This boycott of four countries ties the record for the most at one Contest. Finland, Portugal, Norway, and Sweden all sat out of Eurovision 1970 after the 1969 edition resulted in a four-way tie for the win.

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We want to hear from YOU. Let us know in the comments’ section below or on social media what your thoughts are about today’s vote and its aftermath. We will compile your comments and read a few in our next news episode. Until then, please follow along with our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod on the road to the 70ᵗʰ Eurovision Song Contest.

Title Image: EBU/SVT