The number of countries confirming their participation in the "Eurovision 2026" international song contest has increased to 26: Albania, Germany, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Croatia, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, Greece.
Medianews.az reports that the first semifinal of the competition, which will be hosted by Austria's capital Vienna, is scheduled for May 12, the second semifinal for May 14, and the final for May 16.
The “Eurovision” contest, held since 1956, is a project of the European Broadcasting Union, which unites public broadcasters. The participation of several countries in "Eurovision 2026" is in question. There are demands to exclude Israel from the competition, and some are hesitant. A decision on this matter is expected to be made in December.
On October 7, 2023, there was a military intervention from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territories, followed by a large-scale war in which much of Gaza was completely destroyed. Part of the global community claims that Palestinians have been subjected to genocide.
A peace agreement reached on October 13, 2025, through the mediation of the USA, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, provides for the cessation of the war in Gaza.
In the 69 times the "Eurovision" contest has been held, Ireland and Sweden have won 7 times, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Great Britain 5 times, Israel 4 times, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Norway, and Ukraine 3 times, Spain and Germany 2 times, Monaco, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Greece, Finland, Serbia, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Portugal once.
In 1969, the victory was awarded to four countries (Great Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands), which is why there are 72 winners of the contest.
Toğrul Əli,
Medianews.az
