Spain could become the first Big Five country to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition. According to RTVE, its Council of Administration will meet on Tuesday, 16 September, at 9:30 CEST to debate the issue.
Withdrawal proposal on the table
During the meeting, RTVE’s president will propose that Spain withdraw from the Contest if Israel takes part. While the final decision rests with the Council’s 15 members, a vote in favour would see Spain join Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland, all of which have announced plans to boycott next year’s Eurovision under the same conditions.
El Consejo de Administración de @rtve se reunirá este martes, 16 de septiembre, a las 9:30h
— RTVE Comunicación y Participación (@RTVE_Com) September 15, 2025
En la reunión, se debatirá la retirada de España de Eurovisión si Israel participa en el festival. España sería el primer país del Big Five en tomar esta decisión. pic.twitter.com/2nH2aFYpy8
The potential move comes amid growing political support in Spain for a boycott. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has argued that neither Israel nor Russia should be allowed to participate in international cultural or sporting events “until the violence ends.” Meanwhile, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has insisted that “if Israel participates, Spain should not.”
RTVE’s previous position
RTVE has previously expressed concern over Israel’s involvement in Eurovision. In April, the broadcaster sent a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) calling for debate on the issue. During the 2025 final, RTVE aired a silent message in support of peace for Palestine moments before the show began.
The EBU has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm their participation until mid-December. If RTVE votes in favour of withdrawal, Spain would be the first of the Contest’s Big Five contributors to step back from Eurovision 2026.
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: RTVE
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Euan T