The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed it has been in contact with SVT and the Swedish representative Felicia, following comments the singer made regarding Israeli participation in Eurovision 2026.
The European Broadcasting Union has been in contact with the Swedish public broadcaster and its representative at Eurovision 2026 to reiterate the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest. The comments from the EBU came after Felicia stated in an interview with TT that she believed that Israel should not be allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026. According to the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, artists are not allowed to take a political stance.
The rules regarding political statements are as follows:
- “The ESC respects freedom of expression as a fundamental right. While
participants retain their right to free speech outside the Contest, they are
bound by the ESC’s rules within the context of their performance and
official activities related to the Event” - “Participants can express themselves freely in a personal capacity but must
avoid linking political views to their ESC participation. They must not
instrumentalise the ESC or use the ESC as leverage by making political
statements or causing controversies, thereby shifting focus away from the
Event’s purpose, which is celebrating music and promoting unity”
SVT had stated yesterday that the matter would be discussed in a meeting with Felicia, her Management team and the broadcaster, with Hanna Dowling, head of communications at SVT, explaining:
“Swedish artists competing in Eurovision have the right to express their opinions, as does everyone in Sweden. Felicia has been informed of the EBU’s rules and guidelines, and this is now a matter being handled within the artist’s team.”
In a statement to Kulturnyheterna, the Eurovision Director Martin Green explained:
“We have been in contact with SVT to ensure that their artist has been clearly reminded of the rules and responsibilities that apply following their selection for the competition. We will continue the dialogue with all concerned to ensure that the rules are complied with and to protect the integrity and neutrality of the event.”
The statement received by SVT goes on to say:
“Participants must not instrumentalize the Eurovision Song Contest or use the event as a means of pressure by making political statements or creating controversy, thereby diverting focus from the purpose of the event, which is to celebrate music and promote unity. The Code of Conduct also emphasizes that mutual respect between artists is crucial.“
This is the first time in the build-up to Eurovision 2026 that the EBU has confirmed that an artist has been reminded of the rules regarding making comments that can be viewed as political. However, it is important to note that other participating artists, prior to being selected, have shared their opinions on Israeli participation in the contest, prior to the Swedish representative.
Felicia will perform in the first half of the first semi final on May 12 with “My System”.
Sweden debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 and has gone on to be one of the contest’s most successful countries. The country has won the contest 7 times, tying with Ireland, the most recent being in 2023. Abba´s win in Brighton 1974 with the song “Waterloo” marked Sweden’s first victory. Since missing out on the final in 2010, the country has gone on to finish 3rd twice and has won the contest three times. Only in 2013 and 2021 did the country place outside of the top 10 in the final.
