RTVE announced Spain’s withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest after the vote Held at the 95th General Assembly of the European Union Today in Geneva, which concluded with Israel remaining in the European Music Competition.
The exit of the festival also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final, which will be held in Vienna (Austria) on May 16. Nor the previous semi-finals of the competition on the 12th and 14th.
RTVE, along with seven other countries, has requested in writing a secret vote in the Assembly. The Presidency of the European Broadcasting Union (RTVE) was denied the opportunity to hold a specific vote on Israel’s participation. This decision increases RTVE’s lack of confidence in organizing the festival It confirms the political pressures surrounding it.
Addressing the General Assembly before the vote, RTVE Secretary General Alfonso Morales explained that the institution “recognizes and appreciates” the measures adopted by the European Broadcasting Union to defend the central principles and values of the Eurovision Song Contest. He added, “But we consider these measures to be insufficient.”
“I would not like to express our serious doubts about the participation of Israeli television KAN in Eurovision 2026. “The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and approval of the peace process, and Israel’s use of the contest to achieve political goals, makes it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event,” Morales said.
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The person in charge of the institution also expressed concern about the exploitation of voting in recent releases and the lack of sanctions. “Neutrality and transparency are a common goal that must be guaranteed An honest result that respects the public and citizens.” He pointed out.
For this reason, RTVE demanded a secret vote For all the votes scheduled today in the Geberal Assembly, both scheduled and unscheduled, in connection with the Eurovision Song Contest.
It also requested and submitted a vote on a possible temporary suspension of KAN’s participation for a period of not less than one year, with the option of a subsequent review at the end of this period. If it is not approved, RTVE will not be able to participate in this edition.
He highlighted that the management of the European Broadcasting Union and Eurovision “It causes one of the greatest internal tensions in the history of the organization.
Morales added that the issue of sanctions imposed on Israel due to its continued non-compliance with the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest should have been addressed at the executive level and not by taking the conflict to the General Assembly. To avoid tension between different members.
Finally, Alfonso Morales indicated that RTVE adheres to this position “Out of respect and deep concern For the complex situation we find ourselves in and the hope that we can continue to move forward and remain united in the EBU.