EBU addresses MEPs' calls to ban Israel from Eurovision
- aussievision
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has responded to a public appeal by 26 European Members of Parliament (MEPs) to exclude Israel from Eurovision.
The public letter sent was sent by MEPs from Slovenia, Finland, Spain, France, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden and Malta.
They were from the Socialists and Democrats, the Greens, the Left and Renew parties.
The letter to the EBU
The letter, dated 11 April 2025, raised Russia's expulsion in 2022 as a comparison to Israel.
"We further recall that the EBU suspended Russia’s participation in Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, citing the need to uphold the values of public service media. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes and warnings of genocide, Israel continues to enjoy full access to one of Europe’s most prominent cultural stages.
"This selective application of principles is unacceptable. Eurovision—regardless of stated intentions—is a profoundly influential political and cultural platform. To claim it is "nonpolitical" while selectively enforcing bans and sanctions in politically charged contexts is disingenuous and damaging to the EBU’s credibility.
"By allowing Israel to participate, the EBU is actively contributing to the whitewashing of a regime accused of crimes against humanity by reputable international bodies, including the International Court of Justice.
"To preserve its integrity, the EBU must act decisively and immediately, upholding its values of peace, cooperation, human dignity, and public accountability through consistent and courageous action. There is no room for double standards or hesitation.
"Therefore, we urge the EBU to revoke Israel’s participation in the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU must hold all participants to the same ethical standards it has previously applied and acknowledge the profound political implications of allowing an apartheid regime to compete on a European stage."
The EBU reply to MEPs
The MEPs received a reply on 28 April 2025, which Slovenia MEP Matjaž Nemec published on his website.
The EBU stated:
"Participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is extended to all EBU member broadcasters. The Israeli broadcaster, Kan, is a full and active member of the EBU and is therefore eligible to take part. The Israeli public broadcaster has participated in the competition since 1973 and has hosted the event on several occasions.
"As you rightly point out, the EBU made the decision to suspend Russia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. At that time, a global conversation took place which resulted in many major events barring participation by Russian representatives.
"It was also clear the Russian broadcasters were closely aligned with the Russian government on the issue of the invasion of Ukraine. This resulted in the suspension of the Russian broadcasters from the EBU, in May 2022, due to persistent breaches of membership obligations.
"In the case of the Israeli public broadcaster, Kan has been the subject of continual criticism from the Israeli government and are currently resisting attempts by the government to privatise or close them down. We support public service media in all our member countries.
"The EBU is also aligned with other international organizations, including sports unions and federations, that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time.
Russia's expulsion from Eurovision and EBU suspension
On 26 February 2022, the EBU announced Russia would not take part in Eurovision that year. They stated:
"The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that no Russian act will participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
"The Executive Board of the EBU made the decision following a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, the Reference Group, based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU.
"The Reference Group recommendation was also supported by the EBU’s Television Committee.
"The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute
.
"Before making this decision the EBU took time to consult widely among its membership.
"The EBU is an apolitical member organization of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service."
With the suspension of Russian Members announced on 1 March 2022. An EBU statement said:
"The EBU Executive Board, in light of ongoing events in Ukraine, has decided to suspend representatives from its three Russian Members (RTR, Channel One and RDO) from serving in its governance groups, including the Executive Board and all Statutory Committees. This follows the decision taken last week to exclude Russia from the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
"In taking this action, the Executive Board took note of the public statement issued by the three Member organizations on 26 February announcing their intention to withdraw from the EBU. A decision taken as a direct result of Russia’s exclusion from the Song Contest. The Members have verbally confirmed to us their intent to leave and we are awaiting their formal confirmation.
"The suspension will remain in effect until further notice has been given by the Executive Board."
Israel will participate at Eurovision 2025
Israel will be represented at Eurovision 2025 by Yuval Raphael with New Day Will Rise.
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