According to La Sexta, a majority of members on RTVE’s council believe Spain should not take part in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate.
Debate within RTVE
The broadcaster’s council – made up of 15 representatives – met on Tuesday, and while Eurovision was not on the official agenda, some members are pushing for the issue to be discussed. If the council’s position gains traction, Spain could join Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland, which have all threatened to withdraw should Israel remain in the competition.
Political pressure
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has argued that Israel should be excluded from all international cultural and sporting events until the conflict ends, insisting there cannot be “double standards in culture.” Meanwhile, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has also spoken in favour of Spain stepping back from Eurovision if Israel participates, stating that “cultural and sporting events must not normalise a genocide.”
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm their participation until mid-December. The organisation is expected to address Israel’s participation at its General Assembly in Geneva on 4–5 December.
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.
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News Source: La Sexta
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
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