Overview
- Members approved new UER statutes by 738–264 with 120 abstentions, a move that confirmed Israel’s eligibility without a standalone vote.
- RTVE confirmed Spain’s withdrawal and said it will not air the semifinals or final, marking the country’s first absence since its 1961 debut.
- Public broadcasters in the Netherlands (AVROTROS), Ireland (RTÉ) and Slovenia (RTV) also announced they will not participate, with Belgium and Iceland yet to decide before the reported December 10 deadline.
- The reforms include cutting paid televotes from 20 to 10, restoring juries in the semifinals, expanding national juries from five to seven members, and strengthening anti‑fraud systems.
- Germany’s ARD, the UK’s BBC and Austria’s ORF welcomed the decision, while Israeli leaders praised the outcome and several withdrawing broadcasters cited Gaza and alleged rule breaches in their rationale.