After the first day of the 95th EBU General Assembly in Geneva, Spanish broadcaster RTVE released a press statement announcing their withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
🇪🇸 Spain withdraws from Eurovision 2026
Today, the EBU held its 95th General Assembly. This evening all EBU members were invited to participate in a vote on the new regulation changes announced recently. Following the vote, RTVE the Spanish national broadcaster has revealed it will not participate in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026 taking place in Vienna, Austria next May. Additionally, the broadcaster will not air the three live shows set for May 12, 14 and 16. Meanwhile, upcoming Benidorm Fest 2026 continues as an independent music festival.
RTVE recognises and values the measures adopted by the EBU and the Reference Group to defend the principles and core values of the Eurovision Song Contest. However, we consider these measures insufficient.
We would not like to express our serious doubts about the participation of Israeli KAN television in Eurovision 2026. The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and the adoption of the peace process, and the use of the event for political objectives by Israel, make it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.
We shouldn’t accept double standards. Neutrality and transparency is a common goal to ensure a truthful outcome that respects the audience and citizens.
The leadership of the EBU and Eurovision is causing one of the greatest internal tensions in the history of the organisation. We firmly believe that this situation should never have come.
RTVE maintains this position out of respect and deep concern for the complicated situation we find ourselves in and with the hope that we will be able to move forward and remain united in the EBU.”
Alfonso Morales, (RTVE Secretary General)
RTVE together with 7 other countries had requested a secret vote in the Assembly on Israel’s participation, which was declined. Furthermore, RTVE also proposed tabling a vote on a one-year suspension for KAN.
The new rules passed with 738 votes in favour of the new measures, 264 against and 120 abstentions.
The information, however groundbreaking it is, does not come as a complete surprise. RTVE President José Pablo López clarified some time ago that the new rules put in place by the EBU did not go far enough.
How do you feel about RTVE’s decision?
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