• Eurovision 2026 begins in Vienna on Tuesday, with five countries (Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia) boycotting due to Israel’s Gaza offensive.
  • The first protest is expected to draw about 500 people, with several protests planned throughout the week, up to 3000 participants.
  • Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig said he would not be terrorized, drawing criticism from Amnesty International.
  • Israel participates with representative Noam Bettam, who received a warning for encouraging multiple voting.
  • Contest director Martin Green expressed hope that boycotting countries would return.

Sources & Links