Spain’s culture minister Ernest Urtasun has called for measures to be taken to remove Israel from Eurovision 2026. He added that should Israel be allowed to compete at Eurovision, Spain could withdraw from the Contest next year.
Minister says “measures must be taken”
According to El Mundo, Urtasun said that measures needed to be taken in order to exclude Israel from next year’s Contest in Vienna. While he insisted that the final decision was to be made by RTVE, he urged that Spain could withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete next year.
Speaking on La Hora de La 1, the minister said:
I don’t think we can normalize Israel’s participation in international forums as if nothing were happening. It’s not just an individual artist. It can’t be.
He added that other cultural events such as the Vuelta a España provide the public with “a certain representation of the country”. Urtasun’s comments echo that of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who openly called for the exclusion of Israel in May.
Currently, Spain is confirmed to compete at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. RTVE will once again organise Benidorm Fest, with Sergio Jaen serving as the artistic director for 2026.
Growing calls across Europe
Spain is now the third country to threaten its potential withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. Previously, both Slovenia and Iceland have signalled their readiness to withdraw if an Israeli act is greenlit for participation.
Slovenia’s broadcaster RTV SLO confirmed that a national selection had been planned to select its act for Eurovision 2026. However, due to unsatisfactory responses from the EBU, this selection was cancelled. Director-General Ksenija Horvat confirmed that should Israel be allowed to take part, RTV SLO will withdraw next year.
Similarly, Icelandic broadcaster RÚV said it would consider its own participation should Israel be allowed to compete. A final decision on Israeli participation will be voted on by EBU members in December, which will allow broadcasters to determine whether they should participate at Eurovision next year.
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
In 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify for the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote.
What do you make of the culture minister’s comments? Do you think Eurovision can afford to lose one of the Big Five? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: El Mundo
Photo Credit: ACN
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