Germany’s broadcaster SWR who are responsible for organising their Eurovision selection have released a statement regarding their stance on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
🇩🇪 SWR release statement regarding ongoing debate on Israel’s Eurovision participation
In a response to the ongoing debate surrounding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria next May, SWR have issued their own statement. Speaking to The Euro Trip Podcast, SWR confirms it will adhere to the democratic process of the EBU and respects the values it upholds.
“The ESC has been a major musical event for decades, connecting people across Europe and beyond through diversity, respect, and openness, regardless of origin, religion, or beliefs. It is a competition organized by EBU broadcasters, not by governments.
As a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), ARD supports the consultation process that has been initiated and the decisions to be made by the EBU. The goal is to reach a well-founded and sustainable agreement that aligns with the values of the EBU.”
Over recent weeks, tensions between the participating broadcasters of the Eurovision Song Contest and the EBU who organise the competition, have increased. Several broadcasters, including AVROTROS, Rai, RTÉ, RTVE, RTVSLO, RÚV have proposed the possibility of Eurovision withdrawal if Israel and its broadcaster KAN remain in the contest next May in Vienna, Austria. This comes following the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Along with the concerns the broadcasters have raised with the EBU for the previous two contests over Israel’s participation and the televoting results.
Recently the EBU confirmed the deadline extension for broadcasters to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 without taking a financial penalty. The new deadline is mid-December instead of the usual October date. A consultation meeting with broadcasters is expected to take place in early November to vote on Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation. The full list of participants is expected to be released after this in late-December. Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria next May with two Semi-Finals on May 12 and 14. The Grand Final will be held on May 16.
SWR to hold national final in late February
Away from the current challenges the broadcasters are facing, SWR have announced plans to continue with their selection process for Eurovision 2026. According to an email seen by ESC Kompakt, a televised national final will take place towards the end of February 2026. This will be broadcast on Das Erste.
Artists and songwriters can submit proposals to SWR until October 22. After this time, SWR will assess the entries based on ‘artistic and vocal quality’. Several internal rounds will take place before the final number of participants for the live show are selected. International experts and a public jury will make the final choices using Eurovision style voting to create a shortlist of acts.
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