The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to take place in Vienna, Austria, but not all countries will be participating. Here's a breakdown of the countries that won't be competing, along with commentary and analysis.
Eligible but Not Competing
- Andorra: Withdraws due to financial difficulties at the broadcaster RTVA.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sanctioned by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for debts owed, making it unable to participate.
- Hungary: No official reason given for withdrawal, but has not competed since 2019.
- Iceland: Withdraws in protest of Israel's participation, joining Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain.
- Ireland: Withdraws in protest of Israel's participation, joining the others.
- Monaco: Exploring a return but has not competed since 2006.
- Morocco: Participated once in 1980 but has not shown interest since.
- Netherlands: Withdraws in protest of Israel's participation, joining the others.
- North Macedonia: Financial difficulties cited as the reason for non-participation.
- Slovakia: Confirmed non-participation in 2026.
- Slovenia: Withdraws in protest of Israel's participation, joining the others.
- Spain: Withdraws in protest of Israel's participation, joining the others.
- Turkey: No recent talks or statements indicating a return to the contest.
Ineligible to Participate
- Belarus: Expelled from the EBU due to disqualification from the 2021 contest and political nature of the song.
- Catalonia: Attempted to gain EBU membership but was rejected.
- Faroe Islands: Applying for EBU membership but requires at least five years of support.
- Gibraltar: No recent activity or interest in participating.
- Greenland: Left the EBU and is currently ineligible.
- Kazakhstan: No invitation from the Reference Group, which is required for participation.
- Kosovo: Observer status at the EBU but no invitation from the Reference Group.
- Liechtenstein: Plans to compete on hold due to public vote for privatization of Radio Liechtenstein.
- Russia: Expelled from the EBU following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Scotland: Ineligible unless the BBC opts not to compete on behalf of the UK.
- Wales: Ineligible unless the BBC opts not to compete, but has participated in Eurovision Choir and Junior Eurovision.
In summary, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will feature a mix of withdrawals and ineligibilities, with some countries citing financial or political reasons, while others protest against Israel's participation. The contest continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about eligibility and participation criteria.
