Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTV Slovenia, has said it will not air this year’s Eurovision Song Contest following the country’s decision to withdraw over Israel’s continued participation.
The main competition, featuring 35 nations, is scheduled to take place in Vienna from 12-16 May.
Slovenia joins a growing list of countries, including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, in boycotting the event.
Ksenija Horvat, RTV Slovenia director, confirmed the move to The Associated Press, stating: “We will not be broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest.”
She added, “We will be airing the film series ‘Voices of Palestine,’ featuring Palestinian documentaries and feature films.”
Organisers’ December decision to allow Israel to compete prompted the walkout. Slovenia has been a vocal critic of Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Fans watch the screen at the end of the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 13, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)
While Eurovision aims to prioritise pop music over politics, it has frequently found itself entangled in global events, notably expelling Russia in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The current Israel-Hamas war has similarly roiled the contest, leading to protests and stricter rules against political displays at venues.
Slovenia’s announcement comes days after Paul Weller, Kneecap, Massive Attack and Paloma Faith and 1,000-plus artists signed an open letter calling for fans to boycott the event.
“As musicians and cultural workers, many living within the reaches of the [EBU], we reject Eurovision being used to whitewash and normalise Israel’s genocide, siege and brutal military occupation against Palestinians,” the letter, organised by No Music for Genocide and the BDS movement, said in part.
“We stand in solidarity with Palestinian calls for public broadcasters, performers, screening party organisers, crew, and fans to boycott Eurovision until the EBU bans complicit Israeli broadcaster KAN.”
