Spain has voted to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to take part, after RTVE’s board approved the move by 10 votes to four with one abstention—the fifth broadcaster to make such a threat and the first among the “Big Five.” The EBU says it is consulting members and has yet to decide on Israel’s status ahead of the 70th-anniversary contest in Vienna.

A First From The ‘Big Five’

Spain’s step is notable because “Big Five” members (Spain, the UK, Germany, Italy and France) automatically qualify for the final and provide substantial funding—so any withdrawal would intensify pressure on organizers. The 2026 show is scheduled at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, with the Grand Final on 16 May. The EBU has acknowledged member concerns while keeping Israel’s participation “pending” during ongoing consultations.

Mounting Boycotts And A Divided EBU

Spain joins broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland that have announced they will stay away if Israel competes, citing the war in Gaza. Amid reports and counter-reports about possible compromises—such as competing under a neutral flag—the contest’s leadership has publicly denied making such offers and reiterated that confirmations are due by mid-December. The cumulative pressure highlights how cultural events are being pulled into geopolitical rifts despite Eurovision’s neutrality claims.