Eurovision between politics and music show: how world media comment on the competition in Vienna
Bulgarian singer Dara’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna could have been a story of the country’s return to the stage after a several-year hiatus due to the economic crisis. But this year, the contest has once again gone far beyond music. Israel’s participation, which has led to a boycott by five countries, has turned Eurovision into a platform for debates about the boundaries between culture, politics and Europe’s reputation. European media are writing about whether the contest, which for decades has been described as “apolitical”, can remain so in a time of deep international conflict. Some commentators call the contest a mirror of modern Europe, others an example of how culture is losing its neutrality under the pressure of war and social conflict. And while the audience was counting the points, Europe was no longer arguing about music.
Associated Press — USA.
The American AP agency writes that Bulgaria’s victory was unexpected but convincing:
“Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her infectious party anthem “Banagaranga,” giving the southeastern European country its first-ever victory in the contest. Israeli contestant Noam Bettan came in second after a contest in Vienna that was marred by protests and a boycott over Israel’s participation.
The song’s rhythm and clearly choreographed dance number appealed to both the national jury and viewers around the world. … The tension surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision seems unlikely to subside. This is the second year in a row that Israel has come in second place, largely due to strong viewer support.”
The Guardian — United Kingdom.
The British newspaper The Guardian sees Bulgaria’s victory not only as a musical success but also as a momentous occasion for the country itself:
“Bulgarians rejoiced at their country’s first ever Eurovision victory, welcoming a singer whose party anthem “Banagaranga” was a surprise breakthrough. The victory was a ray of hope at a difficult time after years of political instability. The final in Vienna was boycotted by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland because of Israel’s participation.
The Israeli entry “Michelle” performed by Noam Bettan came in second place, while Bulgaria scored 516 points. The organizers emphasized that the Bulgarian entry won both the jury vote and the public vote – this has not happened for almost a decade.
The Irish Times – Ireland.
The Irish Times writes about the contest through the prism of Ireland’s absence and the political controversy surrounding Israel’s participation:
“Dazzling costumes, crazy jokes and memorable music – this is what Eurovision should be like. But this year, for the Irish audience, the contest was different: Ireland did not participate due to a boycott related to the presence of Israel. Bulgaria’s victory with “Banagaranga” was the final chord of an evening in which the musical show could not be separated from the political context. Ireland’s absence has become a part of the history of this Eurovision.”
Euronews — Europe.
Euronews highlights the drama of the final, in which Bulgaria edged out Israel after a tense vote:
“Bulgaria celebrates its victory in the Eurovision 2026 final after a tense evening in which Israel came second thanks to a huge crowd support. Singer Dara won with the party anthem “Banagaranga.” The final has become one of the most talked about in recent years due to the boycott of several countries and the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. At the same time, the result showed that the contest remains not only a musical show, but also a mirror of political sentiments in Europe.”
Le Monde — France.
The French Le Monde draws attention primarily to the political tension surrounding the contest:
“The 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna caused an unprecedented controversy due to Israel’s participation against the backdrop of the war in Gaza. Five countries — Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia — boycotted the event. … Despite increased security measures and official calls for unity, the atmosphere around the contest remained polarized. The idea of Eurovision as a unifying space looked particularly fragile this year.”
news.com.au — Australia.
The Australian publication explains Bulgaria’s success primarily by the spectacular transformation of the number:
“Bulgaria’s victory was a historic triumph and at the same time a surprise: Dara scored 516 points and won the contest for the first time for her country. Her number “Banagaranga” was not initially perceived as an absolute favorite, but the updated production in the semi-final dramatically changed the impression. The performance, with its sharp visual solutions, masks and dense choreography, worked almost like a live music video. It was this surprise effect, the publication believes, that helped Bulgaria to beat its competitors.”
Jyllands-Posten — Denmark.
It is time for Denmark to leave this vanity fair, too, says the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten:
“Five countries boycotted the event because the European Broadcasting Union did not want to speak out about Israel’s participation. And this is another reason why Denmark should bow out now: it is naive to claim that the Eurovision Song Contest is apolitical. It became political when Russia was excluded from participation. And once you start, you quickly find yourself on thin political ice. There is no reason why Denmark should continue to participate in this competition. Not to mention that there is no point in participating in a song contest in which the melody itself has already been lost. … No one will miss us. And we won’t miss this strange show either.”
The Spectator — United Kingdom.
The British weekly The Spectator rejoices in Israel’s success:
“The attempt to present Israel as a world outcast has not found a response. Normal, decent people voted – not extremists shouting their slogan “Globalize the intifada” in city centers. Israel can be proud of its impressive success at Eurovision – it has already won there four times – and the performances of its artists are consistently strong.
Given the level of Bettan’s performance, the current result can hardly be called simply an “anti-protest” vote. Whatever the reason for Israel’s success in 2026, it is a reminder that cultural events should not serve as referendums on foreign policy, as some activists would like.”
Der Tagesspiegel — Germany.
The Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel speaks out in favor of the song contest:
“It is precisely because Europe is so deeply divided politically and socially that it needs venues where it can present itself as something unified. Eurovision is one of the last islands where the whole of Europe meets, not as an abstract institution, but as a cultural space.
Perhaps this is the real message that Eurovision sends us: yes, Europe is not without conflicts, but despite all the conflicts, the continent still has common venues and common spaces. The alternative would be a far from “pure,” apolitical competition. The alternative would be the absence of a common European space.”
NRC — Netherlands.
Eurovision is far from apolitical, emphasizes the Amsterdam business newspaper NRC:
“Israel was allowed to participate, and, apart from a reprimand from the contest organizers for once again using commercials urging people to vote for their singer, Israel’s participation was no different from the usual pattern. Eurovision — just like the opening of the Venice Biennale the week before — demonstrated that cultural events are by no means outside of politics.
The fact that Israel came second in the contest in Vienna and will therefore not host the song contest next year means that Bulgaria literally “saved” the event. But whether Europe’s reputation was saved by doing so is a very controversial issue.”
Dnevnik — Bulgaria.
In her Facebook post, singer and music producer Ruth Koleva makes an open appeal to Bulgarian politicians. Bulgarian portal Dnevnik quotes:
“This victory is not yours. It is not the result of any strategy, policy, vision or state support for the music industry. Why has Bulgaria not participated in Eurovision for so many years? Because the Bulgarian National Broadcasting Company (BNT) could not afford such a “luxury”. Not because we did not have talent, artists or potential, but because music was not a priority here. So no, do not take credit for this. Better realize this fact — and make music a priority. Make culture a priority!”
