Eurovision – long since more than a singing contest: "Politics is everywhere," warns Stéphane Bern

For decades the Eurovision Song Contest has presented itself as a celebration of music, cultural diversity and European understanding. But behind catchy refrains, spectacular stage shows and the points awarded by national juries there has always been a highly political event. The 2026 edition in Vienna makes this clearer than ever. Several European countries have announced that they will boycott the contest or suspend broadcasts because of Israel's participation. Spain,…