Translation (by ChatGPT)

Several countries have threatened to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate. Now SVT’s CEO Anne Lagercrantz says that demands are being made regarding safety for Sweden’s participation, but she does not want to take a position on the question of Israel’s involvement.

In recent weeks, several countries’ public service broadcasters have announced that they refuse to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the competition, has called an extraordinary meeting of its member countries in November to vote on whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

“SVT is independent”

The culture news desk has repeatedly sought out SVT’s CEO Anne Lagercrantz to ask how SVT views Sweden’s participation in the competition.

Now Lagercrantz responds in an email. A boycott threat in relation to Israel’s participation is not on the table, she writes.

“Many want to know where SVT stands. SVT is independent – that is one of our core principles. We do not take political positions. It is we, and no one else, who decide on our participation in ESC, and the choices we make should not be interpreted as taking a stand for or against any other country’s public service broadcaster, or for or against any other country’s participation.”

“We will take time to listen”

Anne Lagercrantz highlights three “fundamental conditions” for the competition. These are described as important for how SVT will act.

She writes that broad European support for the competition is required. The safety of participants and audiences must be guaranteed, and the competition should, as far as possible, remain apolitical in accordance with EBU’s rules.

“We understand that many want an immediate answer about what SVT will do, and there are many opinions about the right path. SVT’s participation is conditional on these fundamental conditions being in place. We will therefore devote time to listening to the EBU and other member broadcasters. That is to show respect both for a difficult issue and for a beautiful idea of a cultural arena that seeks to unite people through music.”

The culture news desk is seeking Anne Lagercrantz.