Weekly Update

It’s time for another weekly update on Eurovision! Broadcasters across Europe continue to firm up their plans for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. There are new participation developments and national selection news emerging. Vienna itself is gearing up to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026, as city officials begin preparations. Here are this week’s top stories:

Participation Updates: Iceland, Poland & Netherlands

🇮🇸 Iceland: RÚV (Iceland’s broadcaster) has confirmed its Eurovision 2026 participation. The broadcaster opened song submissions for Söngvakeppnin 2026, the national selection. The 2026 edition will mark 40 years of Iceland in the contest, and artists can send entries until September 23. Iceland’s 2025 act Væb reached the final in Basel, and the country is now aiming to build on that success in Vienna. source: eurovoix.com

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇵🇱 Poland: TVP is likely to announce its decision on participating in Eurovision 2026 by mid-September. The head of the Polish delegation confirmed the plan, emphasizing that Poland will make its statement within the deadline required by the EBU. While no official confirmation has been issued yet, all signs indicate Poland does intend to compete in Vienna. source: escspot.pl

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇳🇱 The Netherlands: Broadcaster AVROTROS has so far given “no comment” on the Netherlands’ Eurovision 2026 participation status. The Dutch broadcaster says it is in ongoing talks with the EBU and other countries about “geopolitical influences” on the contest. As long as these discussions continue, AVROTROS is withholding any further details – leaving the Netherlands’ Eurovision plans uncertain for now. source: rtl.nl

📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Song Submission Windows: Albania Opens, Norway Closes

🇦🇱 Albania: The search is on for Albania’s next Eurovision entry. RTSH opened the song submission window for Festivali i Këngës 64 on September 1. Artists and composers have until September 30 to send in their songs (via email) for the long-running festival, which is expected to once again select Albania’s representative. FiK has been Albania’s Eurovision selection method since the country’s debut, and this year’s edition will likely be held in December. source: eurovoix.com

📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

🇳🇴 Norway: In Norway the submission period for Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) 2026 has just closed. September 1 was the last day for artists and songwriters to submit entries to NRK’s national selection. The song window opened back on June 20, and with it now shut, NRK will sift through the entries and is set to announce further MGP details later in the autumn. Norway will choose its Eurovision act in early 2026 through the MGP shows. source: eurovoix.com

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇦🇹 Host City Preparations: Vienna 2026

Vienna: As host city, Vienna is considering special measures to accommodate the influx of Eurovision fans next May. Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling has proposed a temporary suspension of the usual Sunday and holiday store closures during the week of Eurovision 2026. With one show falling on Ascension Day (Thursday, May 14) and the Grand Final weekend including Sunday, Emmerling argues that allowing shops to open on those days would help the city maximize economic benefits from the event. The idea – last implemented during Euro 2008 – would require discussions with labor unions and business groups before it can be approved. City officials are weighing the plan to ensure visitors can enjoy Vienna (and shop) throughout the contest week. source: vienna.at

📷 Needpix.com

Wiener Stadthalle: Meanwhile, Vienna’s Eurovision venue is ramping up preparations. A job listing has been published. ORF is seeking an Event Manager for the Wiener Stadthalle, specifically to support the organization of Eurovision 2026. The new hire will work on contest-related event logistics alongside the venue’s management team. Applications for this role are open until September 30. This recruitment drive underlines that planning is in full swing to deliver a spectacular 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna next May. source: wienholding.at

📷 Wikimedia Commons

Israel’s 2026 participation speculation

Israel’s potential Eurovision 2026 participation is the subject of fresh speculation this week after the EBU released an Instagram reel addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In the post, the EBU acknowledged severe conditions in Gaza and placed direct responsibility on Israeli government policy. A notable public stance that quickly caught fans’ attention. Eurovision news outlets report that discussion is growing about a possible temporary ban or suspension of Israel from the contest as a result. The EBU had previously ruled out excluding any country. However, Israel’s status for 2026 now appears to be under increased scrutiny, with officials saying participation remains “under review” amid the evolving situation source: eurovisionfun.com.

Stay tuned for more Eurovision updates next week. The road to Vienna 2026 is just beginning. New developments are coming fast. We’ll keep you informed on all the Eurovision news as the season unfolds!

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Martijn

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Road to Vienna: Estonia

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Read More »
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