PEN Malta Urges Withdrawal as Government Confirms 2026 Eurovision Participation

PEN Malta has intensified its criticism of the European Broadcasting Union after it confirmed Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, calling the decision inconsistent with past actions that saw Russia and Belarus excluded for violating international law.

The organisation argues that allowing Israel to compete despite authoritative findings by UN bodies and human rights groups alleging grave abuses and possible genocide in Gaza undermines the contest’s moral credibility.

The pressure on Malta has grown as Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have already pulled out in protest. Yet Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has confirmed that Malta will remain in the competition.

Culture is not a shield for impunity

Speaking to Times of Malta, he acknowledged the concerns raised but said he believed cultural engagement, rather than boycott, is a better path to peace. “Keeping communication channels open is essential, and culture plays a central role in that,” he was quote saying.

PEN Malta rejected this reasoning, insisting that “culture is not a shield for impunity” and warning that the EBU risks enabling “image-laundering” by a state accused of systemic violations.

The organisation has urged the Maltese government to reconsider its stance and join broadcasters taking what it describes as a principled stand against complicity and silence.