Five Countries Leave Eurovision Song Contest

May 15, 2026, 19:23
EuropePolitics

Introduction

Five European countries will not join the Eurovision Song Contest. They are angry that Israel is in the competition because of the war in Gaza.

Main Body

Ireland, Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia left the show. They asked the organizers to remove Israel, but the organizers said no. Ireland and Spain are very angry with Israel. Spain says the rules are not fair. They say the organizers removed Russia before, but they did not remove Israel. The organizers say the contest is for music, not for politics. In Ireland, some people agree with the choice. Other people say this choice is wrong and mean. In Vienna, people are protesting in the streets. They do not want the show to happen while there is war.

Conclusion

The contest will have a final show, but many people are still protesting.

Learning

🌍 Talking about Countries & Groups

When we talk about a country or a group of countries, we use the word They.

Example from text: "Five European countries... They are angry."

The Pattern: Country Name →\rightarrow They (Ireland, Spain, Iceland) →\rightarrow They

🚫 Saying 'No' (Negatives)

To make a sentence negative in A2 English, we usually put do not or did not before the action word.

TimeNegative FormExample from Article
Now/Generaldo not"They do not want the show..."
Pastdid not"...they did not remove Israel."

💡 Simple Contrasts

Use But to connect two opposite ideas. It is the easiest way to build a longer sentence.

  • Idea 1: The contest is for music.
  • Idea 2: It is not for politics.
  • Combined: The contest is for music, but not for politics.

Vocabulary Learning

angry (adj.)
Feeling upset or annoyed.
Example:She was angry when she saw the broken vase.
organizers (n.)
People who plan or run an event.
Example:The organizers set up the stage before the concert.
contest (n.)
A competition or event where people compete.
Example:The singing contest attracted many participants.
war (n.)
A conflict between countries or groups.
Example:The war caused many families to leave their homes.
music (n.)
Sounds arranged to create harmony.
Example:She loves listening to music while she works.
politics (n.)
Activities related to government and decision making.
Example:The show is about music, not politics.
choice (n.)
A decision made between options.
Example:He made a careful choice about which school to attend.
wrong (adj.)
Not correct or fair.
Example:It is wrong to take someone else's idea.
mean (adj.)
Unkind or cruel.
Example:He gave a mean comment about her dress.
protesting (v.)
Showing disagreement by actions.
Example:People were protesting in the streets.