Eurovision is meant to be apolitical. This year is very different

The Eurovision Song Contest, a “non-political” live music event that aims to “bring audiences and countries together”, is now at the center of violent rows. Outrage over the decision to allow Israel to compete in 2026 sparked an unprecedented backlash and led many countries to boycott the competition.

The public service broadcaster of Ireland, one of the countries that recently pulled out, said it felt its involvement would be “unreasonable given the appalling loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there”.