Spain withdraws from Eurovision 2026

Spanish broadcaster RTVE has announced that Spain will not participate in Eurovision 2026 after the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that Israel will remain in the Contest.

RTVE had earlier declared it would withdraw from the 2026 Contest if Israel participated. That position was reaffirmed after the EBU vote and now becomes official.

As a result, RTVE will also not broadcast any of the Eurovision 2026 shows — neither the Semi-finals nor the Final.

RTVE explained that while it recognizes the new rules adopted by the EBU to ensure neutrality and limit coordinated voting and promotion, it still considers the changes insufficient given its concerns over fairness and the political context connected to Israel’s participation.

Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest

Spain has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 64 times since their debut in 1961. They have won twice: in 1968 (La, La, La...) and the following year, 1969 (Vivo Cantando).

Spain is a member of the "Big-5," which means they don't have to go through the Semi-final round and are automatically qualified for the Grand Final. Spain is also a member of "club zero" because they have managed to get zero points 3 times. They have finished in last place 5 times in Eurovision history, the latest coming in 2017.

Spain's best-known song is probably "Eres Tú" from Eurovision 1973 (2nd place, only four points away from victory).