Overview
- RTVE confirmed Spain will not participate or broadcast the 2026 contest in Vienna, citing Gaza-related concerns and alleging repeated rule breaches by Israel’s delegation.
- Public broadcasters Avrotros (Netherlands), RTÉ (Ireland) and RTVSLO (Slovenia) also announced withdrawals following the EBU decision.
- The reforms cut paid televotes per viewer from 20 to 10, restore professional juries in the semifinals and expand national juries to seven members, with added anti-fraud safeguards.
- Israel’s president Isaac Herzog welcomed the decision, while Germany, Austria and Italy backed keeping Israel eligible and warned against any exclusion.
- Members have until December 10 to confirm participation; Belgium and Iceland remain undecided, and Spain will still hold Benidorm Fest in February as a domestic music event.