Yle prepares to participate in Eurovision Song Contest – broad Nordic support for Eurovision rule changes

At the EBU General Assembly in Geneva, the EBU’s proposals for rule changes and the development of Eurovision were presented. The primary goal of the reforms is to ensure that voting cannot be manipulated and that the contest can be conducted independently.

The majority of member broadcasters supported the changes. Yle and the Nordic public broadcasters SVT, SR, UR, DR and NRK voted in favor of the reforms.

“We support the EBU’s decision to address shortcomings in the voting system, as well as other measures aimed at developing Eurovision. These changes are essential to maintain the event’s credibility and independence”, said Yle’s CEO Marit af Björkesten, who represented Yle at the meeting.

All companies that meet the EBU’s membership criteria and comply with the contest’s rules will retain the right to participate. There was no vote on the participation of Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.

“We have a shared view with the public broadcasters of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Companies that meet the EBU’s membership criteria and follow its rules may participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. If this is not the case, we naturally expect the EBU leadership to take action,” af Björkesten states.

Yle’s management has set conditions for participating in Eurovision. Based on the discussion at the meeting, these conditions are being met, and Yle is preparing to participate in next year’s Eurovision in Vienna.

“However, we consider it important to continue discussions within the EBU on how Eurovision can be further developed. This means that the new rules and their effectiveness must be continuously evaluated”, says af Björkesten.

Austria’s ORF will host Eurovision in Vienna from May 12 to 16, 2026.

Read the press release at Yle's website

Interview requests for Yle’s CEO Marit af Björkesten are received by Mika Ojamies, mika.ojamies@yle.fi.