Every year there are new voting rules for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). In 2026, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will also change the guidelines for the world’s largest music competition. Given the bitter dispute over Israel’s participation, trust in the ESC must be strengthened again. “The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is extremely important to the EBU, its members and our entire audience,” said ESC director Martin Green. “Competitive fairness must always be maintained.”
Green was referring to Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance at the ESC in Basel last May. Raphael won the audience vote, but only finished 15th in the jury vote. The overall ranking brings the singer who survived the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 2023 to second place. Afterward, accusations emerged that Israel had influenced the vote with targeted advertising actions. During his performance, Raphael was exposed to great anti-Semitic hostility.
The audience gets less influence and the judges get more influence
“Competition should remain a neutral space and should not be exploited,” Green said. Tighter controls on advertising for participating artists are planned. State-funded advertising campaigns should be avoided. Song lyrics and stage production rules will also be interpreted more strictly to prevent manipulation.
The EBU also wants to reduce the number of public votes: instead of 20 times, viewers can only vote ten times per person. From the semifinals onwards, the jury’s votes will be incorporated again into the rankings, “to take into account not only popular contributions but also demanding artistic contributions”. At ESC 2023, jury voting in the semifinals was abolished, and since then the audience has decided the final participants. Jury and audience votes will continue to be included equally in the overall ranking, in future with seven jury members instead of five per country.
Merz has spoken out against a boycott of Israel
Technical improvements must also be made to prevent fraud during voting. “These steps should ensure that the focus remains where it belongs: on music, creativity and connection.”
Several countries, including Ireland, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, have threatened to boycott the ESC if Israel takes part – because of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Chancellor Merz and Federal Education Minister Prien (both CDU) have opposed a boycott of Israel and called for Germany’s participation to be canceled if Israel is excluded. ARD, which was involved in the competition, kept a low profile.
After Austrian countertenor JJ’s victory this year, ESC 2026 will take place in Vienna. Canada was considered a surprise guest. Spain plans to comment on its boycott threat on Thursday.
