Spain threatens to boycott Eurovision if 'Israel' allowed to compete

Spain said Monday it will consider boycotting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if 'Israel' is allowed to compete, citing concerns that the event could be used to “normalize genocide” amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun told state-owned broadcaster RNE that he is “concerned” about 'Israel’s' potential participation in Eurovision, scheduled for May 2026 in Austria. “We do not tolerate sporting and cultural events normalizing genocide,” Urtasun said, urging Spain to join other nations in protesting 'Israel’s' presence.

Spain’s stance follows similar decisions from countries including Ireland and the Netherlands, which have also expressed opposition to 'Israel' taking part in the continent’s largest annual music competition.

Urtasun’s comments mark a rare instance of political considerations directly influencing participation in Eurovision, a contest traditionally focused on music and cultural exchange rather than geopolitics.