Problems with the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

May 13, 2026, 20:27
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has many problems. Many countries are angry because Israel can join the show.

Main Body

Some people say the rules are not fair. In 2022, Russia could not join. Now, Israel can join. Because of this, five countries like Spain and Ireland will not join the contest. There are also problems with the votes. A newspaper says the Israeli government spent one million dollars to win. The EBU gave a warning to the Israeli TV station because they broke the rules. People are also protesting. In Vienna, some people shouted during the show. Security guards took them away. Other people made a different concert for Palestine in Brussels.

Conclusion

Only 35 countries will join the 2026 contest. The EBU says the show is not about politics, but many people disagree.

Learning

⚡️ The 'Action' Shift

Look at how the story changes from things that can happen to things that already happened. This is the key to A2 English: moving from Ability to Past Events.

1. Ability (Now/General)

  • Israel can join. →\rightarrow They have the permission/power to do it.
  • Russia could not join. →\rightarrow They did not have the permission.

2. Completed Actions (The Past) Notice how the words change when the action is finished:

  • Spend →\rightarrow Spent (The government spent one million dollars)
  • Break →\rightarrow Broke (They broke the rules)
  • Take →\rightarrow Took (Guards took them away)

Quick Guide for your brain: If it is happening now or is a general rule →\rightarrow use can. If it is a story about yesterday or last year →\rightarrow use the past form (like spent, broke, took).

Vocabulary Learning

problem (n.)
a situation that is difficult or causes worry
Example:The new rules are a problem for many fans.
country (n.)
a nation with its own government
Example:Spain is a country in Europe.
angry (adj.)
feeling upset or mad
Example:The fans were angry about the decision.
join (v.)
to become part of a group or event
Example:Israel will join the contest next year.
rule (n.)
a rule that tells what is allowed or not allowed
Example:The rules say no money can be given.
fair (adj.)
just and equal
Example:The judges want a fair competition.
vote (n.)
a choice in an election or poll
Example:Many people cast their vote online.
newspaper (n.)
a paper that reports news
Example:The newspaper printed the story.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government made a new law.
million (adj.)
a number of one thousand thousand
Example:They spent a million dollars.
dollar (n.)
a unit of money
Example:The cost was two dollars.
warning (n.)
a message that says something is dangerous
Example:The warning was posted on the screen.
station (n.)
a place where a TV or radio show is broadcast
Example:The TV station aired the event.
protest (v.)
to show disagreement or objection
Example:The fans protested loudly.
shout (v.)
to say loudly or loudly express
Example:She shouted during the concert.
security (n.)
protection from danger or trouble
Example:Security guards kept the crowd safe.
guard (n.)
a person who protects or watches over
Example:The guard stopped the entrance.
concert (n.)
a live music performance
Example:The concert was in Brussels.
politics (n.)
the study of government and public affairs
Example:The show is not about politics.
disagree (v.)
to not agree with something
Example:Many people disagree with the rules.