The Slovenian public broadcaster formally urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Saturday to disqualify Israel from participating in Eurovision 2025, set to be held in Basel, Switzerland, in May.
In an official letter to the EBU, the broadcaster cited ongoing political concerns as the basis for its appeal, becoming the first European nation to formally call for Israel's exclusion from the contest.
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Israeli Eurovision 2024 contestant Eden Golan
(Photo: Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images)
The letter follows recent actions by Slovenia’s government, including its recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Two additional proposals were reportedly raised in Slovenia: withdrawing from the competition if Israel participates or blacking out the screen during Israel's performance. However, these more drastic measures were shelved for now.
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The appeal follows a fraught atmosphere surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, where several countries had pushed for Israel’s removal amid political tensions. Although those efforts failed, the Israeli delegation, led by singer Eden Golan, faced significant backlash throughout the competition from both participants and the audience alike. Despite the hostile environment, Golan and the Israeli delegation achieved an impressive fifth place.
The EBU has not yet responded to the Slovenian broadcaster’s appeal.
Analysts suggest the call is unlikely to result in Israel's disqualification. However, proposed legislation in Israel to reform its public broadcasting authority has raised concerns within the EBU. In two recent letters, the EBU expressed worry over potential privatization or closure of Israel's public broadcaster, Kan, warning that such changes could jeopardize Israel's Eurovision participation.
Meanwhile, Israel’s selection process for Eurovision 2025 is ongoing. The country's representative will be chosen through the reality show The Next Star, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.