Spanish Culture Minister and Sumar spokesperson Ernest Urtasun has opened the door to Spain pulling out of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is not expelled. Speaking on La hora de La 1 on TVE, Urtasun questioned Israel’s place in the competition and stressed that Spain has already asked for its removal. He specifically stated:
“If that doesn’t happen measures will have to be taken.”
Although the final decision rests with Spain’s broadcaster RTVE, Urtasun suggested Spain could follow Slovenia’s lead. RTV Slovenia has already declared it will withdraw from next year’s contest if Israel remains on the lineup.
Eurovision has been caught up in political tensions ever since the 2025 contest in Basel. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude Israel, pointing to the precedent set with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
Now, with public protests mounting and several broadcasters hinting at withdrawal, Eurovision 2026 faces one of the biggest crises in its history. The EBU has already extended its penalty-free withdrawal deadline to December, when a final decision on Israel’s participation is expected at the General Assembly.
Spain’s possible exit adds to the uncertainty. If RTVE sides with Urtasun’s position, another major broadcaster could step away, raising the stakes for what may become a defining moment in Eurovision’s future.
Source: Lavanguardia