because RTVE Give up Eurovision 2026
RTVE She confirmed that she would not broadcast the ceremony Eurovision 2026 Yes Spain Does not participate in the competition. The decision is subject to council approval European Broadcasting Union Of existence IsraelThis contradicts the official position adopted by the RTVE Board of Directors last September.
According to the company, the waiver of payment Participation fees It also means automatic loss of Emission rights From the semi-finals and finals of the event. This action breaks a tradition of over Six decades Continuous sharing and broadcasting.
turning point in History of Eurovision in Spain
Spain was part ofThe Big Five“, a group of countries that have direct access to the final due to their financial contribution to the festival. This status has been guaranteed International vision And important Screen sharing In Spain, where the public has historically been prominent. In 2025, the final collected more than 5.8 million viewers And a 50.1% screen sharing.
influence on programming and masses
With this withdrawal RTVE Not only does she stop her active participation, she also removes one of the most important events from her schedule. witnessed from the year. The consequences affect everyone Media coverage He loves National European Ecosystem.
This procedure generates uncertainty about how Spanish audiencehistorically loyal to the festival, has reached a point where you can only follow festivals through it Alternative means also international.
Benidorm Festival remains as it is Independent event
Despite the withdrawal… RTVE confirms His commitment to it Benidorm Festivalwhich I printed 2026 will be celebrated from February 10 to 14. The Foundation confirms that the festival will continue in its format Self-identityalthough it no longer serves to elect the Spanish representative therein Eurovision.
This continuity enhances interest RTVE To maintain the spaces allocated for music In their programming, but they diverge Benidorm Festival From its original function as a platform for pre-selection Eurovision.
the The political dimension From conflict
The decision comes in a distinguished context Political tensions inside European Broadcasting Union. RTVEalong with other countries such as Ireland, Iceland also HollandShe refused to participate Israel Because of the conflict in episode. At the same time, there are other delegations, such as GermanThey require their presence Israel Do not share, increase Internal polarization From the festival.
president RTVE, Jose Pablo Lopezhas been described publicly as “useless“The new regulations I proposed European Broadcasting Uniondenouncing Pressures And one politicization Clear from the competition
Which Economic consequences and Media It could be
- The organization will lose one of its most important ones TV markets Subordinate Southern Europe.
- Spain You will no longer contribute to Participation feesWhich in 2025 amounted to more than 330,000 euros.
- he Related tourism The festival may also be affected. In 2025, Searches from Spain To the Swiss headquarters Basel They grew up a 53%.
He can Spain Come back in the future?
The current decision only affects 2026 edition. maybe He comes back In future versions if it is Geopolitical circumstances Or if The European Broadcasting Union is restructuring its regulations.
Meanwhile, Eurovision 2026 It will be celebrated without anyone Historical delegationsand Spanish public television It will turn its back for the first time since 1961 Musical competition Most popular on the continent.