Overview
- The EBU General Assembly approved revised statutes by 738–264 with 120 abstentions, avoiding a separate vote on Israel’s eligibility for Vienna 2026.
- RTVE confirmed Spain will not compete or broadcast the contest, with its president saying Eurovision is now dominated by geopolitical interests.
- Public broadcasters in the Netherlands (AVROTROS), Ireland (RTÉ) and Slovenia (RTVSLO) also announced withdrawals, while Belgium said it will decide in the coming days.
- New measures include cutting paid televotes per viewer from 20 to 10, restoring jury voting in semifinals, expanding fraud detection and growing juries from five to seven members.
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the outcome, and Germany and host Austria backed Israel’s presence, with Germany’s chancellor warning of a German pullout if Israel were excluded.