Responding to mounting criticism and complaints from broadcasters, the contest's director, Martin Green, defended the integrity of the results, stating there is no indication of bias or irregularities.
“The televoting system currently used in Eurovision is considered the most advanced in the world today, combining advanced verification processes, data security mechanisms and analytical review of voting patterns, Green said in a statement. "[T]here is no suspicion of bias or irregularities in the awarding of points – not even in relation to the full score given to Israel by Spanish viewers."
The statement came in response to backlash following Israel’s second-place finish, led by contestant Yuval Raphael, with Austria taking the top prize. The result sparked allegations from some participants and national broadcasters. Finland’s representative claimed she read in a local paper that Israel had “mobilized an extensive voting network,” calling it “very unfair.”
On Monday, Belgium’s Dutch-language broadcaster VRT, responsible for this year’s Eurovision broadcast in Belgium, joined Spain in calling for greater transparency. “We have no evidence of miscounting, but we demand full transparency from the EBU,” the broadcaster said in a statement. “The key question is whether the current system truly reflects the public’s views.”
VRT further warned that Eurovision is becoming “less of a unifying and apolitical event” and increasingly contradicts its founding values and those of public broadcasting. The statement added that if the EBU fails to seriously address these concerns, VRT will reconsider its future participation.
