Spain pulls out of Eurovision 2026 after Israel’s inclusion sparks outrage. RTVE decries “political interference,” ending 64 years of continuous participation.
An unprecedented drama unfolded in Spain this evening (Thursday), as the Spanish national broadcaster (RTVE) officially confirmed that the country will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
The dramatic announcement came just minutes after the general assembly vote of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva, where 738 members voted in favor of regulatory changes that allow Israel to remain in the contest.
Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena, repeatedly conditioning its own participation on Israel’s removal from the competition. Moments before the decisive vote, Spain once again led efforts to block Israel, spearheading a campaign within the assembly against its inclusion – a motion that was not publicly scheduled for debate.
Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena, repeatedly conditioning its own participation on Israel’s removal from the competition. Moments before the decisive vote, Spain once again led efforts to block Israel, spearheading a campaign within the assembly against its inclusion – a motion that was not publicly scheduled for debate.
End of a 64-Year Streak
For Eurovision fans, the news lands as a major shock. Spain has been competing continuously since 1961 — 64 years — and remains one of the “Big Five” countries that automatically qualify for the final and provide major funding for the contest.
The warning signs appeared months ago. RTVE had already sent a strongly worded letter to the EBU in May demanding a discussion on Israel’s suspension. By September, the broadcaster escalated its tone, issuing a direct threat to withdraw if its requests were ignored.
“The Organization Is Driven by Political Interests”
José Pablo López, president of RTVE, harshly criticized Eurovision management, arguing that the organization had dragged the event into a deep crisis. “It should never have reached this point,” López declared. “Sanctions against Israel for its repeated violations should have been decided at the executive level. The EBU has become an organization dictated by political and commercial interests that neither knew how nor wished to manage them — exposing the contest to the greatest internal tension in its history.”
The decision also carries backing from Spain’s highest political levels. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed similar sentiments in the past, comparing the situation to Russia’s expulsion from competitions: “If no one objected when Russia was asked to withdraw from international contests, the same approach should apply to Israel.”
The Screen Goes Dark: Behind the Scenes of the Break
Spain’s withdrawal includes a dramatic move against its own viewers. RTVE has confirmed it will not broadcast Eurovision at all. Unlike the Netherlands — where another broadcaster will air the event — Spain will blackout coverage entirely, refusing to air the semifinals or the grand final from Vienna.
The broadcaster’s frustration stems partly from a failed behind-the-scenes maneuver. Spain, along with several other countries, attempted to force a secret vote specifically on Israel’s expulsion — aiming to avoid open confrontation and remove Israel “under the radar.” The EBU presidency rejected the request, enforcing an open roll call vote instead that revealed a decisive majority supporting Israel’s continued participation.
Shortly after Spain’s announcement, Slovenia joined the list of withdrawing countries. Yet within the EBU, it remains business as usual: EBU president Delphine Ernotte Cunci thanked members for the discussion but entirely avoided mentioning Spain’s threats or exits in her statement.
“Benidorm Fest” to Go On – But Without a Prize
The decision also leaves the Spanish pre-selection competition, Benidorm Fest, in limbo. Despite withdrawal threats, RTVE proceeded with preparations and unveiled its 18 competing artists last October. The festival will still take place, but stripped of its original purpose – it is now a domestic music event only.
All 18 artists will perform as planned, but the winner will no longer earn the prized “ticket to Vienna.” Instead, they face the disappointment of losing their chance to represent Spain internationally. These artists, who invested significant resources in preparations, are now seen as the main victims of their broadcaster’s political decision.
Leading the Charge – and Losing It: Spain’s Diplomatic Defeat
Spain’s withdrawal follows a resounding diplomatic failure of its own making. RTVE had been the leading force behind the anti-Israel initiative, pushing the EBU to hold an official vote on the matter. Yet the result laid bare how far Madrid stands from the broader European consensus: a convincing majority of 738 votes rejected Spain’s stance and supported Israel’s participation.
Instead of accepting the democratic outcome it had itself demanded, Spain is now dragging other nations — including the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia – into following suit. But at the end of the day, Europe’s message was loud and clear: it stands with Israel.
Spain in Eurovision 2025
“Esa Diva” (in English: “That Diva”) is the title of the song performed by singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
Spain finished 24th with 37 points – 27 points from the juries, placing 21st, and only 10 points from the televotes, placing 22nd. In the last 20 years, Spain managed to finish only 3 times in the top 10.
Eurovision 2025: This was Spain’s 65th participation in Eurovision. Spain joined the competition in 1961 and won it twice consecutively in 1968 and 1969. Spain has hosted the contest on its territory only once in 1969 and since then holds the longest waiting time since its last victory – 56 years.
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Noy Yehoyada is an Israeli journalist and content creator at the EuroMix team since 2024, bringing a personal, feminine, and LGBTQ+ voice into the Eurovision sphere. A devoted Eurovision fan since the age of 16, she plays an active role in covering the contest—including on-site reporting at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and across European pre-party events. Alongside her writing and commentary, Noy plans the editorial schedule for the website, closely tracks national selections and song reveals, participates in live broadcasts, and creates digital content focusing on representation, musical diversity, and emotional connections.
Beyond her work at EuroMix, Noy has over six years of experience in the cosmetics and pharma industries, with a background in sales, personal consulting, and managing beauty departments. She enjoys pop, rap, contemporary art, and traveling in Europe—and especially loves songs that make her want to dance, as well as those that tell a story.
