Spain is telling the Eurovision organizers it might sit out 2026 if Israel is in the lineup. The message is coming from RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, which has signaled it is ready to withdraw rather than share the stage under the current circumstances. If that holds, Spain would be the first of the “Big Five” to draw a line like this, which is a big deal given those countries fund a lot of the show and go straight to the final.
From what’s been reported, RTVE is keeping Benidorm Fest on the calendar for now. That’s Spain’s national selection show, and the idea seems to be “plan as usual but reserve the right to quit if nothing changes.” It is a way to keep artists and crews working while making the political point clear.
This puts pressure on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision and tries very hard to keep the contest out of politics. That has always been tricky, and it is even trickier now. Broadcasters have been talking among themselves about how to handle the Israel question next year. Deadlines and meetings are on the horizon, and those will likely decide whether Israel is allowed in and whether countries like Spain stick around.
Spain is not shouting into the void. A few other broadcasters have flirted with similar stances and at least raised concerns. I do not want to overstate that, because positions seem to shift with every new statement, but Spain’s move could nudge others to firm up their own plans.
If Spain pulls out, the practical fallout is real. Producers would have to redraw rehearsal schedules, rejig the running order, and rethink the finals since the Big Five are baked into the format. It would also send a message that the core backers aren’t unified, which is the last thing you want in a show that prides itself on being a big, friendly music party.
For artists, this limbo is uncomfortable. They’re writing songs, planning staging, and trying to book teams without knowing if the contest will look the same by spring. Fans are in the same boat. People are already talking about travel and watch parties, and nobody loves uncertainty.
As things stand, Vienna is slated to host 2026. Whether Spain shows up depends on what the EBU decides about Israel’s participation. If the union tweaks the rules or finds a compromise, RTVE could stay in. If not, Spain seems prepared to sit it out.
All of this could still shift. Eurovision politics move fast, and public broadcasters sometimes calibrate their positions once the rules are final. For now, the headline is simple: Spain has put down a marker, and the ball’s with the EBU.
