As a massive Eurovision fan, I have to say it, I am absolutely gutted. Spain will not be taking part in next year’s contest because Israel is staying in. The whole thing sounds a little too much like playground politics for my liking.
Eurovision has always had a bit of political seasoning, we all know that the votes are not always based on musical excellence. But, it has also always been a wonderfully silly, sparkly night that lets everyone forget the serious stuff. The shimmer, the drama, the big costumes and set, that is the spirit of the thing.
This year, however, the sparkle is having to fight its way through one of the biggest rifts the contest has seen in decades. Israel’s confirmed place in the 2026 edition has caused a crisis inside the European Broadcasting Union and Spain has decided to walk away.
Spain’s Eurovision withdrawal: Major shift
The decision is not just symbolic. Spain is one of the Big Five contributors, so their withdrawal includes refusing to broadcast the final. For a country that has always played a central role, that is quite something.
The reason for the withdrawal lies in a complicated vote at the EBU General Assembly. Delegates were deciding whether the measures designed to keep the competition “neutral” were enough to allow Israel to remain. The result was 738 in favour, 264 against and 120 abstentions.
Spain, along with several other broadcasters, had asked for a secret vote and a separate discussion about Israel’s participation. Both requests were rejected. According to RTVE, this refusal deepened the distrust already present and proved that political pressure was influencing the entire process.
As soon as the measures were approved, Spain confirmed that it would leave the contest and would not air the final. It is a remarkable moment in Eurovision history, and it puts RTVE and the EBU on very awkward terms.
Spain is not alone, and the list of countries withdrawing is growing. The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia have already confirmed that they are stepping aside. Other countries, such as Portugal, Iceland, and Norway, are still deciding whether they will follow the same path.
On the other side of the argument, a group of broadcasters including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria had previously warned that they would leave if Israel was removed. Now that Israel is remaining, they will stay in. Austria, as next year’s host, has been particularly firm. The result is a clear split.
Eurovision: Losing its purpose
One group is willing to leave for political and ethical reasons, another insists that the contest must remain inclusive or it loses its purpose.
The EBU is already looking for replacements so that the stage does not feel half empty. Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania may return, Kazakhstan continues to express interest, and there is even talk of Canada taking part. Australia opened the door for that kind of arrangement, so it is not as far fetched as it sounds. The aim, of course, is to soften the financial impact of losing countries like Spain, who bring large audiences and a great deal of funding. Last year’s final reached 166 million viewers, a figure nobody wants to see shrink.
Meanwhile, the Israeli broadcaster KAN continues to prepare its entry as if the storm around it were a gentle breeze. The show must go on, after all.
As for me, am I disappointed? Absolutely. Spain throwing its toys out of the pram has not improved my mood. But will it stop me watching the show? Absolutely not. I shall be there, snacks at the ready, singing along, and enjoying every glittering moment. Politics may swirl around the edges, but the heart of Eurovision still shines.
