Overview

• RTVE’s board decided Spain will withdraw from Eurovision in Vienna 2026 if Israel participates and said it would not broadcast the event without paying the rights.
• RTVE confirmed Benidorm Fest will be held next year regardless of Spain’s participation in Eurovision.
• The Generalitat Valenciana backs the festival but plans to renegotiate the €1.5 million promotional agreement if Spain does not compete, and Benidorm’s city council also contributes funding.
• The European Broadcasting Union and its Reference Group are assessing options with a final decision expected at the Dec. 4–5 assembly in Geneva, and press reports describe proposals under discussion with Israel’s broadcaster KAN.
• Spain would be the first Big Five country to step back under these conditions, following similar stances already announced by the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland and Slovenia.