(ANSA) - BELGRADE, DEC 15 - The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced today that 35 countries will compete in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Vienna from May 12 to 16, 2026. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain are all absent, having decided to boycott the event in protest of Israel's presence. Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova will return to the ESC after three, two, and one years, respectively. "As we prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest," said Director Martin Green CBE, "this event remains a place where voices, cultures, languages, and music come together. "We are delighted to welcome back BNT (Bulgaria), TVR (Romania), and TRM (Moldova), who will join 32 other public broadcasters in Vienna 2026. Their return serves as a stark reminder of the Eurovision Song Contest's enduring power and what it truly means to be united by music," he continued. (ANSA).