Overview
- The European Broadcasting Union approved contest statute changes by 738–264–120, removing the need for a separate vote on Israel and confirming its path to compete in 2026.
- RTVE said Spain will not participate or broadcast any of the three shows, its first absence since its 1961 debut, with the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia also pulling out.
- The reforms include cutting maximum paid televotes from 20 to 10, reinstating professional juries in semifinals, increasing jurors per country from five to seven, and expanding anti‑fraud systems.
- Germany’s ARD, Austria’s ORF and Vienna officials, along with the BBC, backed the decision to keep Israel, and Germany had warned it would leave if Israel were excluded.
- Iceland and Belgium said they will decide in the coming days, with broadcasters required to confirm participation by Dec. 10, while RTVE will still stage the Benidorm Fest domestically.