Spain Threatens Eurovision Exit Over Israel’s Participation
Spain has entered the Eurovision 2026 debate with a bang. Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun has hinted that the country could pull out of the contest if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allows Israel to remain in the competition.
Speaking on La Hora de La 1, Urtasun made his stance crystal clear:
“We cannot normalise Israel’s participation in international forums as if nothing is happening.”
The minister added that while the final decision rests with RTVE, “measures must be considered” if Israel is not suspended, including renouncing participation altogether.
Politics, Protest, and Eurovision
This comes amid heightened political tensions between Spain and Israel. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently announced a law tightening the arms embargo on Israel and banning the transit of military equipment through Spanish air and sea routes.
Sánchez has previously called for Israel’s expulsion from Eurovision, referencing the precedent set when Russia was banned after invading Ukraine.
“We cannot have double standards in culture,” Sánchez declared. “Human rights must remain a constant commitment.”
Slovenia Leads the Boycott Threat
Spain isn’t the only country putting pressure on the EBU. Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTVSLO became the first to openly declare it would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition.
The Slovenian broadcaster has confirmed it will wait for the EBU’s winter decision before making a final call.
RTVE vs. EBU: Tensions Rising
Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has already clashed with the EBU during Eurovision 2025. During Israel’s performance in the semi-final, presenters Tony Aguilar and Julia Valera referenced the deaths in Gaza, prompting the EBU to threaten sanctions against Spain.
RTVE’s response was bold: before the show, it aired a black-screen caption reading:
“In the face of human rights violations, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine.”
RTVE president José Pablo López doubled down on X (formerly Twitter), echoing:
“Silence is not an option.”
What Happens Next
The EBU will vote on Israel’s participation in December 2025, extending the deadline for broadcasters to confirm participation without penalties until then.
If Israel remains in the contest, pressure is mounting for Spain, Slovenia, and potentially other broadcasters to take action — a move that could reshape Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.
Source: El Mundo
