Spain first of ‘big five’ to threaten withdrawal from Eurovision

Spain has become the first of the ‘big five’ countries to say it will pull out of the 2026 Eurovision if Israel is allowed to participate.

National broadcaster RTVE this morning (16 September) confirmed the decision was made by an absolute majority of its board of directors, at a meeting led by president José Pablo López.

The ‘big five’ is made up of the countries who contribute the most funding to the European Broadcasting Union-organised (EBU) Eurovision, with RTVE joined by its public service peers France Télévisions, the UK’s BBC, ARD in Germany and Italy’s RAI. 

These countries, along with the respective host country, are guaranteed a place in the final and don’t have to compete in the semi-final shows.

The EBU held a general assembly in July where several members raised concerns about Israel’s presence in the Eurovision, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

RTVE’s stance confirmed speculation it would follow similar boycott decisions made by counterparts in Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands. The countries object to Israel’s presence in the singing competition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a statement, the RTVE said: “Spain will withdraw from the Eurovision Son Contest if Israel remains in the competition.

“[At the July EBU meeting] RTVE called for a serious and in-depth debate on Israel’s presence in the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Other countries joined Spain’s request. The corporation emphasised the need for the EBU to find a solution before the next General Assembly, which will be held in December.”

Last week Spain’s culture minister Ernest Urtasun revealed in a TV interview it had requested the EBU exclude Israel from the competition.

This week, BBC director general Tim Davie told government officials no decision had been made over the UK’s participation in next year’s event.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, following Austria’s win earlier this year.