Spain withdraws from Eurovision 2026 following confirmation of Israel's participation

Spain has decided to officially withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) approved keeping Israel in the competition, despite international pressure and growing division among member countries.

The decision comes after the general assembly held in Geneva from December 4 to 5, one of the most tense in the organization's 75-year history, in which internal reforms and the controversial presence of Israel were put to a vote. The motion was approved with 738 votes in favor, 264 against, and 120 abstentions, rendering any attempts to exclude Israel ineffective.

RTVE cumple su advertencia

RTVE, which is part of the “Big 5”—the festival's largest economic contributors—had already announced that it would not participate in 2026 if Israel remained in the competition, arguing that the ceasefire in Gaza has not stopped attacks or civilian deaths.

The president of the public broadcaster, José Pablo López, reiterated a week ago that the measures proposed by the EBU to prevent political manipulation and fraudulent votes “were not sufficient,” and that Spain would demand more forceful changes. Upon confirmation of Israel's continued participation, RTVE decided to withdraw from next year's contest.

Un festival dividido como nunca

Tension intensified for weeks. Countries such as Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland also conditioned their participation on the expulsion of Israel. This situation generated an unprecedented climate of crisis, with even the German Chancellor suggesting that Germany should also withdraw if Israel were excluded.

The EBU acknowledged its deep internal division and, despite the pressure, decided to keep Israel in the competition. The organization has not yet confirmed the final list of participating countries for 2026 and will give delegations until mid-December to communicate their final decision.

Reformas al sistema de votación

To reduce controversy, the EBU approved changes to the televoting system, reducing the maximum from 20 to 10 votes per viewer and reincorporating juries in the semifinals. It will also implement new tools to detect fraud and coordinated voting.

However, RTVE considers that these adjustments are not enough to guarantee a clean and neutral process, especially after Israel was the country most voted for by the public in the last two editions.

Spain's withdrawal marks one of the most critical moments in the recent history of Eurovision and leaves the festival in an uncertain scenario for 2026.