Another national broadcaster has stepped forward this week to raise concerns with the EBU regarding the voting system and Israel’s participation in Eurovision. This time, it is RTVSLO, Slovenia’s national broadcaster.
Moreover, RTVSLO has stated that they are prepared to withdraw from future editions of the contest if the EBU does not present concrete solutions to these issues.
Slovenia was the first country to call for a debate about Israel’s participation at Eurovision, initially writing to the EBU in December 2024. Now, following the fallout over the 2025 contest results, the broadcaster has repeated its appeal with starker terms.
RTVSLO echoes the growing concerns voiced by broadcasters in Spain, Iceland, Belgium, Finland, Ireland and the Netherlands, focusing on key issues from both ethical and public perspectives, as well as on voting transparency and Israel’s inclusion.
Slovenia may withdraw from Eurovision
Ksenija Horvat, Director of TV Slovenia, has sent a letter to the EBU expressing concern over how Israel’s participation has shifted the dynamics of the contest, making Eurovision anything but apolitical and unifying. Horvat noted that she had already addressed the EBU on this matter last year, but without success — and since then, the concerns have only grown stronger.
“Unfortunately, the response we received did not contain convincing or concrete explanations, nor did it reflect the urgency and seriousness of the issue we are addressing. During this time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories has worsened, and public concern — both in Slovenia and throughout Europe — has increased significantly.
“Many viewers in Slovenia and elsewhere expressed serious doubts about the credibility and transparency of the voting, especially in light of the political context surrounding the contest. The feeling that political interests could influence decisions on participation or the final vote results has shaken public trust in the impartiality of the EBU.
“We are particularly interested in comparing telephone votes with online votes, as we believe this is essential to restoring trust in the integrity of the voting process. As a public media organisation, we have a duty to provide our audience with accurate and verifiable information.
“As a broadcaster accountable to the public, Television Slovenia is under increasing pressure to respond to these concerns. If the EBU does not take concrete steps and address these issues, we will be forced to reconsider our participation in future Eurovision events.
“We will be compelled to take this step if the EBU continues to ignore these key concerns — concerns that must be addressed from both an ethical and public interest perspective. We are calling for an open, inclusive, and urgent debate among EBU members — including music performers and civil society representatives — on voting transparency, engagement policies, and the consistent, credible implementation of the EBU’s stated values.”
In her message, Horvat emphasised the growing lack of public trust in the voting system following this year’s contest. She explained that RTVSLO is submitting a series of specific questions to the EBU, urging the organisation to be transparent and to disclose all relevant details about the voting process.
While the decision to consider withdrawal has not been taken lightly, the broadcaster remains firm in its stance: if no meaningful measures are implemented, they are prepared to act accordingly.
She concluded the letter by stating that RTVSLO hopes to receive “a serious and substantive response and to restore trust in the transparency, accountability, and values to which the EBU is committed.”
Slovenia was represented at Eurovision 2025 by Klemen with the song “How Much Time Do We Have Left.” The entry finished in 13th place during the first semi-final, failing to qualify for the final.
Do you think Slovenia will actually withdraw from Eurovision next year? Will the EBU take the necessary steps to address the growing concerns of broadcasters and the public? Let us know in the comments below.
