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Rehearsal for the final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest

Why Spain Will Not Compete in Eurovision 2026 Following Israel’s Inclusion

It’s worth noting that the Netherlands will also withdraw from the contest

Eurovision is one of Europe’s biggest music competitions, and for weeks Spain had been debating whether to stay in the contest. The decision depended on the 95th General Assembly of the EBU, held in Geneva, where members voted on whether Israel would be allowed to participate this year.

Once it was confirmed that Israel would remain in the competition, RTVE officially announced that Spain is withdrawing from the festival. As a result, the broadcaster will also skip airing the final, set for May 16 in Vienna, as well as the semifinals on May 12 and 14. This decision marks the end of Spain’s more than six-decade tradition at Eurovision.

Why Would Spain Leave If Israel Participated?

RTVE’s Board of Directors had already agreed in September that Spain would withdraw if Israel remained in the competition. So how did they reach that position?

During the Assembly, RTVE called for a secret vote and a separate decision on whether to temporarily suspend the Israeli broadcaster KAN. The network argued that “the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s political use of the contest make it harder and harder to uphold Eurovision as a neutral cultural event”. The EBU leadership rejected both requests.

In his remarks, RTVE’s Secretary General, Alfonso Morales, said that the measures adopted by the EBU “fall short” and criticized the absence of consequences for past violations.

“We cannot accept double standards. Neutrality and transparency are essential to guarantee a truthful outcome that respects the audience,” he stated. Morales also noted that the EBU’s management of the issue “is creating one of the most significant internal tensions the organization has ever faced.”

It’s worth noting that the Netherlands will also withdraw from the contest, taking the same stance as Spain. AVROTROS explained that Israel’s participation “is no longer compatible with the responsibility we have as a public broadcaster.”

Voting Results

The final vote on the new rules passed with 738 votes in favor, 264 against, and 120 abstentions, confirming that Israel will remain in the competition. RTVE, along with seven other countries, had warned that they would withdraw if the temporary one-year suspension of KAN was not approved.

RTVE has reiterated that its stance is “based on respect and a deep concern for the current, difficult situation”. And has left the door open to returning in future editions—as long as the neutrality of the event can be guaranteed.