Problems at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest

May 12, 2026, 17:43
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is in Vienna. Fewer countries are in the show because five countries are angry that Israel is there.

Main Body

Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland are not in the contest. They are sad about the war in Gaza. These countries say the rules are not fair. They say Russia is not allowed to play, but Israel is. The EBU says the show is about music, not politics. They changed the voting rules to make them fair. Germany says they will stay in the show only if Israel can play. Some TV stations will not show the contest. They will show other movies instead. Only 35 countries are in the show. This is the lowest number since 2003. There are many police in Vienna. Some people are protesting in the streets.

Conclusion

The contest is still happening. There are new voting rules and more security.

Learning

🚩 The 'Not' Power

In this text, we see how to make a sentence negative using not. This is the most important step for A2 learners to express disagreement or absence.

How it works: Put not after the linking word (am/is/are).

  • The rules are fair →\rightarrow The rules are not fair.
  • Israel is allowed →\rightarrow Israel is not allowed.
  • They are in the show →\rightarrow They are not in the show.

🌍 Location & Presence

Notice the pattern: [Subject] + [be] + [in/at/there]

  1. In: Used for cities or groups (Vienna, the show).
  2. There: Used to say someone exists in a place (Israel is there).

Quick Look: extFewercountries ext{Fewer countries} →\rightarrow extlowestnumbersince2003 ext{lowest number since 2003}

Vocabulary Learning

song (n.)
A piece of music that you can sing or play.
Example:She sang a beautiful song at the concert.
contest (n.)
A competition or event where people try to win.
Example:The singing contest attracted many talented singers.
show (v.)
To present or display something, like a TV program.
Example:They will show the new movie on television tonight.
angry (adj.)
Feeling upset or mad.
Example:He was angry because he lost his keys.
war (n.)
A conflict between countries or groups.
Example:The news reports about the war were very sad.
rules (n.)
Instructions that say how to play or behave.
Example:The game has simple rules that everyone must follow.
fair (adj.)
Equal and just, not biased.
Example:The judge made a fair decision for all contestants.
play (v.)
To perform music or a game.
Example:They will play the new song during the event.
music (n.)
Sounds arranged in a pleasing way.
Example:She loves listening to classical music.
voting (n.)
The act of choosing by a vote.
Example:The voting will decide who wins the contest.
police (n.)
People who enforce the law and keep safety.
Example:Police officers patrol the streets at night.
street (n.)
A road in a city where people walk or drive.
Example:They met on the main street of the town.