Main points
- Spain will not participate in Eurovision 2026, but is seeking to reform the EBU.
- In particular, prohibit participation by countries that are at war.
Spain at Eurovision / Collage by Channel 24, photo by Getty Images, Eurovision Instagram
Spain will not participate in Eurovision this year. However, the broadcaster will continue to push for reforms of the EBU – the European Broadcasting Union.
The Spanish broadcaster has said it wants to “depoliticize” the biggest music competition. This was stated by the president of RTVE, José Pablo López, writes VerTele!.
In a new public speech, Lopez made a proposal to the European Broadcasting Union for 2027. He calls for a discussion on banning countries at war from participating in the contest.
We must once and for all start a serious discussion, which I hope we can have in the coming weeks, on reforming the EBU statutes and banning countries in conflict from participating in the next Eurovision Song Contest,
– said the head of the Spanish broadcaster.
It should be noted that Israel will perform at Eurovision 2026. The country has already chosen a representative – Noam Bettan will perform at the contest, writes the Eurovision website.
Which countries refused to participate in Eurovision and why?
- In recent years, Eurovision has been marred by scandals and debates over participating countries, with many opposing Israel's participation in the contest.
- After 2025, Eurovision organizers revisited the issue of Israel and still allowed the country to compete. However, this time it caused discontent from other countries.
- Spain immediately announced that it would not participate in Eurovision and would not broadcast the show. Broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland also withdrew from participation.