RTVE, the Spanish national broadcaster, have revealed the outcome on their discussion in regards to participation, at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

FOLLOWING the news that discussions would take place on participation this morning, RTVE have confirmed they will not participate at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, if Israel participates. RTVE released the following statement:

“The Board of Directors of RTVE has agreed during its meeting this Tuesday, September, that Spain will withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates in the contest. The measure was taken at the proposal of the president of RTVE, José Pablo López, by majority absolute of the governing body of the Corporation, with 10 votes in favour, 4 against and one abstention.

Spain is the first member country of the Big Five (composed of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Spain) in taking this agreement and joins other countries that have already communicated their exit from Eurovision if Israel is not excluded, following the announcements of Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and Netherlands.

Last July, at the 94th EBU General Assembly, RTVE already requested to open a debate serious and in-depth discussion about Israel’s presence at the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Other countries joined Spain’s request. The Corporation highlighted the need that the EBU finds a solution before the next General Assembly to be held in December.

The decision taken today by the RTVE Board of Directors on Eurovision does not alter plans regarding the celebration of the Benidorm Fest, a festival with its own identity, fully consolidated and celebrating its fifth edition next year.”

Let us know what you think about Spain and the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

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Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix