Spain Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel's Participation Amid Political Controversies

Spain has officially withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 after 64 years of continuous participation, marking a historic first for the country. The decision came in response to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) confirmation that Israel will participate in the upcoming contest in Vienna, despite ongoing humanitarian concerns related to the crisis in Gaza.

The Spanish public broadcaster RTVE led the withdrawal, announcing it will not broadcast the semifinals or finals, effectively boycotting the event. In a statement, RTVE criticized the EBU for fostering internal tensions and failing to address the humanitarian and political implications surrounding Israel’s inclusion. José Pablo López, RTVE president, cited Israel’s alleged violations of Eurovision rules and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the primary reasons behind Spain’s decision.

Spain’s choice aligns with a broader coordinated protest by several countries. Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have also declared their withdrawals for similar reasons. Ksenija Horvat of Slovenia’s RTVSLO condemned the EBU for lacking ethical judgment, emphasizing that Eurovision should avoid engaging with states implicated in human rights violations. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS undertook an extensive review, including consultations with Amnesty International, concluding that participation would conflict with core values such as humanity and freedom of the press. Ireland’s RTÉ underscored the unacceptable loss of civilian lives and targeting of journalists in Gaza as motivation to step back.

Meanwhile, Belgium’s VRT announced it will continue its participation despite previous boycotts of Israel. Other countries such as France, Denmark, Serbia, and Portugal have confirmed their attendance regardless of Israel’s involvement. Conversely, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany have indicated they might withdraw if Israel were expelled, reflecting divisions within Europe’s broadcasters. These withdrawals may impact Eurovision’s financial and audience landscape, especially since Spain and Germany are major contributors and automatic finalists.

In response to the dip in participants, the EBU is considering inviting new countries such as Bulgaria, Moldova, and Kazakhstan to balance the lineup.

This boycott has elevated the contest’s political profile, as the Eurovision Song Contest—traditionally a cultural and musical event—faces unprecedented challenges stemming from geopolitical conflicts. The New York Times characterized the collective withdrawal as a boycott and highlighted the discontent among Eurovision fans regarding Israel’s participation amid the Gaza crisis. The upcoming contest is scheduled for May 16, 2026, with semifinals on May 12 and 14 in Vienna, Austria.

As the situation develops, the future stability and inclusiveness of Eurovision remain uncertain, with both political and humanitarian concerns at its core.