Malta To Participate In Eurovision 2026 Despite Calls For Boycott Owen Bonnici Confirms
Malta will take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici confirmed, despite growing pressure on the country to withdraw over Israel’s inclusion.
His statement follows the decisions by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to pull out after the European Broadcasting Union declined to vote on excluding Israel over its assault on Gaza, which several human rights organisations have described as genocide.
Bonnici told Times of Malta that while he understood “well-intentioned” arguments for shunning states accused of illegal violence, a boycott would not advance peace. “Peace is achieved by keeping lines of communication open, and culture contributes greatly to this,” he said.
The decision has drawn strong criticism from local cultural groups. PEN Malta expressed “profound outrage,” arguing that the EBU’s stance contradicted past precedents when Russia and Belarus were barred for violations of international law. “Culture is not a shield for impunity,” the association said, warning that Eurovision risks becoming a platform for “image-laundering.”
Activist group Moviment Graffitti echoed the call for withdrawal, saying Malta’s participation would send “a dangerous message, that Israel can commit major atrocities without any consequence.” The NGO dismissed claims that Eurovision is apolitical, noting that Russia was expelled when it invaded Ukraine.
Bonnici, who has previously voiced support for the Palestinian cause, said he respected the concerns raised by arts union MEIA and PEN Malta. Still, he insisted Malta should remain engaged and continue advocating for a two-state solution, noting Malta’s recognition of Palestine as part of that effort.
“I’m not saying peace can be achieved through culture alone,” he said, “but every little thing helps to foster dialogue.”
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