A seismic shift has rocked the world of Eurovision. For the first time in over six decades, since its participation began in 1961, Spain’s public broadcaster will not air the 2026 contest.
This unprecedented decision stems from deep concerns surrounding Israel’s continued participation amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. RTVE, Spain’s broadcaster, has stated that maintaining the contest’s purported neutrality has become utterly “impossible.”
The move represents the most significant action taken to date in a growing wave of protest. Officials describe a climate of “political distrust” surrounding the event, signaling a breaking point for the nation’s involvement.
Spain isn’t alone in its discontent. The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland have also withdrawn from this year’s competition, though most still intend to broadcast the show. Slovenia, however, joins Spain in a complete boycott, refusing to air the performances.
As one of Eurovision’s ‘big five’ – the contest’s largest financial contributors alongside the UK, France, Germany, and Italy – Spain’s withdrawal carries substantial weight. The country has now pulled its funding from the European Broadcasting Union.
Spain’s Culture Minister, Ernest Urtasun, previously voiced support for excluding Israel from the competition and has now lauded RTVE’s decision as “brave.” He firmly believes cultural events should not offer a platform to nations embroiled in humanitarian crises.
Despite the escalating criticism, the Eurovision semi-finals are set to begin on May 12th. The first semi-final will feature performances from Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia.
Germany and Italy, already guaranteed a spot in the grand final, will also perform during the semi-finals. The second semi-final on May 14th will showcase Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Romania, Czechia, Armenia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Latvia, Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Albania, Malta, and Norway.
Austria, France, and the UK, also automatically qualified for the final, are scheduled to perform in the second semi-final alongside Luxembourg. The UK is hoping to make a splash with Look Mum No Computer’s “Eins, Zwei, Drei,” a groundbreaking entry as the first UK Eurovision song not entirely in English.
