Spain could become the first Big Five country to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition. According to RTVE, its Council of Administration will meet on Tuesday, 16 September, at 9:30 CEST to debate the issue.

Withdrawal proposal on the table

During the meeting, RTVE’s president will propose that Spain withdraw from the Contest if Israel takes part. While the final decision rests with the Council’s 15 members, a vote in favour would see Spain join Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland, all of which have announced plans to boycott next year’s Eurovision under the same conditions.

The potential move comes amid growing political support in Spain for a boycott. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has argued that neither Israel nor Russia should be allowed to participate in international cultural or sporting events “until the violence ends.” Meanwhile, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has insisted that “if Israel participates, Spain should not.”

RTVE’s previous position

RTVE has previously expressed concern over Israel’s involvement in Eurovision. In April, the broadcaster sent a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) calling for debate on the issue. During the 2025 final, RTVE aired a silent message in support of peace for Palestine moments before the show began.

The EBU has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm their participation until mid-December. If RTVE votes in favour of withdrawal, Spain would be the first of the Contest’s Big Five contributors to step back from Eurovision 2026.