Spain withdraws from Eurovision 2026 over Israel participation, citing double standards and rights concerns

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain will not participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, criticizing the European Broadcasting Union for allowing Israel to join and arguing that it reflects a double standard, especially compared with Russia’s removal after Ukraine’s invasion. He framed the move as a stand for human rights and international law, highlighted other boycott countries, and faced domestic backlash from the opposition for what they call opportunism and inconsistency with Spain’s participation in other events with Israel involved.