The president of Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has given his recommendation that RTVE not return to the Eurovision Song Contest for the 2027 edition in Burgas. The broadcaster withdrew from the 2026 Contest in Vienna, alongside those from Iceland, Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands.
A second year of non-participation
Speaking at the regular meeting with parliamentary figures, president José Pablo López said he would recommend that RTVE maintains its boycott against Eurovision until Israel is removed from the competition. While he admitted there had been technical improvements made thanks to their demands, the inclusion of an Israeli act was still too much.
José also added there was a “clear ethical shortcoming” as a result of Israel’s continued participation at the competition. He added in his meeting that “no one with even the slightest human sensitivity can witness the suffering of the Palestinian people without a resounding and severe condemnation of what is an intolerable human tragedy”.
No specific date has been given for a formal decision on Spain’s participation in the Contest. Benidorm Fest, which would be used as the country’s national selection, is still going ahead, taking place at the end of Janaury.
EBU’s response
In a statement responding to the news, Eurovision Director Martin Green said:
We’ve seen today’s comments from RTVE’s President recommending that Spain does not return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. We respect RTVE’s process and will await their Board’s final decision.
Over the past year, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by our Members. As a result, the Reference Group, the Contest’s governing body, have made significant changes to the Eurovision Song Contest. These include stronger safeguards against undue external influence and promotion, tighter voting limits, the return of professional juries to the Semi-Finals, broader and more diverse juries, enhanced voting measures, and further changes to ensure that the Contest can always be hosted in a safe and secure environment.
We regret that, despite these changes, a recommendation will be made that RTVE does not take part in the Contest next year.
RTVE has been part of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1961, and we value its long contribution to the Contest. We’d be disappointed not to have Spain join us in Bulgaria, and we hope to see RTVE back in the Contest in the future.
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. Spanish broadcaster RTVE withdrew from the 2026 Contest due to the continued participation of Israel.
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News source: RTVE
Image credits: RTVE
Molly Kirkpatrick