In early December, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) voted through new voting rules to “increase trust, transparency and audience engagement.” At the same time, it was made clear that Israel – whose participation is controversial due to the war in Gaza – will be allowed to participate.
"Eurovision claims to stand for unity, inclusion and dignity for all. These values made this competition meaningful to me. But Israel's continued participation, during what the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry has determined to be genocide, shows a clear conflict between these ideals and the decisions made by the EBU," writes Swiss Nemo in a post on Instagram.
Five countries have so far announced that they will boycott Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation.
"When entire countries withdraw because of this contradiction, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong. That is why I have decided to return my trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva," Nemo continues in the post.
