Spain has opened submissions for the competition that previously served as its Eurovision selection for 2027, but emphasizes: “Our Position Didn’t Change”
The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE continues to lead a critical stance regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna. Despite the war in Gaza having ended several months ago, Spain reiterates that its position on Israel’s participation in the contest remains unchanged.
Despite its absence from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, RTVE has not halted the operation of Benidorm Fest, which has served since 2022 as the national selection for choosing Spain’s representative and song. One month after the latest edition aired, the national broadcaster officially launched today (Tuesday) the 2027 edition of the festival. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the winner will represent Spain in Eurovision in the future, or whether Spain will return to the competition at all.
When asked whether the next festival winner would represent Spain if the country returns to Eurovision, the broadcaster’s Director of Communication, María Eizaguirre, responded: “Benidorm Fest has Eurovision in its DNA, but it is also a festival with a life of its own. For now, there are no updates. RTVE remains in the same position.”
Attempt to Change the Rules of the Contest
Last month, the President of RTVE, José Pablo López, clarified before a parliamentary committee that Spain is not withdrawing from Eurovision permanently, but is instead seeking to initiate an official discussion with the European Broadcasting Union regarding whether countries involved in conflicts and wars should be allowed to participate in the contest. Although no specific country was mentioned, the context is clear and the move is widely understood to be directed at Israel.
According to López, “A serious and meaningful discussion must finally be opened” on whether the EBU regulations should be updated so that countries cannot use Eurovision as a platform for international legitimacy during times of war. Many view this initiative as an attempt to challenge the EBU’s long-standing policy that Eurovision is an apolitical event, managed by national broadcasters rather than governments.
Spain is not alone in its position. The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland have also announced their withdrawal following confirmation that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026. However, as of now, the EBU has not changed its policy and continues to emphasize that the contest is intended to be a space for music, culture, and connection between nations. The debate led by RTVE raises a broader question: can a country truly be excluded from a cultural competition due to its government’s policies, and where should the line between culture and politics be drawn? For now, it remains to be seen whether Spain’s call for regulatory change will gain wider support or remain largely symbolic.
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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Aviad Berger – Israeli editor, reporter, and content creator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has been working with the EuroMix editorial team for about a year and a half. Since 2024, he has provided continuous Eurovision coverage from the host city, delivering live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Aviad is also a video editor and filmmaker active in the Israeli media industry.
