Poland to participate in Eurovision 2026 amid growing criticism of Israel’s inclusion

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Poland will take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, despite several European countries boycotting the event over Israel’s participation, according to Polish broadcaster TVP on Wednesday.

"We are aware of the scale of tensions surrounding the upcoming edition. We understand the emotions and concerns. However, we believe that Eurovision still has a chance to once again become a space filled with music - and only music," TVP, which selects Poland’s Eurovision entry, explained in a statement.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced in early December that Israel will be able to take part in next year's contest, noting that members decided not to hold a vote specifically on Israel’s participation despite requests from several broadcasters.

Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland have so far said they will not participate, citing Israel’s involvement and the situation in Gaza, where it killed over 70,000 people in two years of war and reduced it to rubble.