Not only the Netherlands and Ireland are withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest IF Israel is Allowed to Participate: Spain is also Considering withdrawing in that case. The Country is one of the so-called ‘Big Five’ and is Therefore One of the Major Financiers of the Festival.
The Spanish Broadcaster RTVE had PreviOutly Hinted at Doubts About Partication, but is now clear: “Spain Will not participate IF Israel Participates and Continues with the Bloodshed in Gaza.”
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Will Decide later this year on Israel’s participation. Countries Can then withdraw Until Mid-December. This is unusual: usualy that decision has to be made in October.
The Netherlands and Ireland Already Decided Last Week That They Will not Participate IF Israel Does. Slovenia and Iceland also have concrete Doubts about Their Partipation. This Means That 5 of the 37 Countries Now would Like To See Israel Skip The Festival in 2026. Israel Has Already Said It Sees No Reason to Skip The Festival Next Year.
Althegh Ireland and the Netherlands Have Always Been Important Countries for the Festival – The Netherlands was one of the first Countries to Participate – Spain’s Choice Puts Extra Pressure on the Organization. Spain is One of the Five Major Financiers and is Therefore Always Allowed to Participate in the Final. If spain withdraws, that mean a large sum of money for the ebu.
Other Members of the ‘Big Five’ Have Not Yet Official Commented On Their Participation. The United Kingdom Says It is in Talks with the Ebu. France, Germany and Italy Are Still Refraining from a Response.
Spanish Minister Fears That Israel’s Participation Will Overshadow Festival
A Large Majority of the Spanish Board Supports The Decision: Ten Members Voted in Favor, Four Against and One Member Abstained From Voting. The Local Benidorm Fest, Whose Winner Usually Participates in the Eurovision Song Contest, Will Continue.
The Spanish Minister of Culture HAS Previously Been Critical of Spain’s Participation As Long As Israel Participates and Is Happy With The Decision. “We must make sure that Israel does not participate in the next edition.” Hey Fears That The Seventith Edition Will Be Overshadowed by Israel’s Participation.