The Maltese Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, has confirmed that Malta will not boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel takes part.
According to Times of Malta, Bonnici views Eurovision as a place of dialogue. In his interview he explained: “Although I completely criticise the actions of the Israeli government, I believe that the window of dialogue should always be open.” He further added that “culture should be that one safe space where dialogue could always occur.”
The minister admitted that he has faced similar questions in the past, recalling calls to exclude Russian composers from local programming in Malta. Despite the initial tendency to react and impose such a ban, he ultimately decided that culture should remain a space of conversation, an approach he continues to advocate for today.
While noting that the situation regarding Russia and Israel are not identical, Bonnici argued that both highlight the importance of allowing culture to remain a space for dialogue rather than exclusion.
Malta was represented by Miriana Conte at Eurovision 2025 with “Serving”. She brought Malta to their first final since 2021. Malta placed 17th in the final, scoring 91 points.
Image source: (Sarah Louise Bennett) EBU | Source: Times of Malta
Malta debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971 and was represented by Joe Grech and the song “Marija L-Maltija”, which finished last. Malta competed again in 1972 and 1975 but then withdrew until their return in 1991. During the 1990s, Malta only once finished outside of the top 10, and in 1998, they came within just 7 points of victory. It was Chiara who brought the country their 3rd place finish in 1998, and who went on to finish in 2nd at the 2005 contest in Kyiv. The only other artist to finish 2nd for Malta is Ira Losco, who was 12 points away from victory in 2002. They are the longest and most successful participating country to have never won the Eurovision Song Contest.
