Netherlands and Spain boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete

Spain and the Netherlands will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after Israel is allowed to compete.

They were among several countries calling for Israel’s exclusion from the election due to the human cost of the war in Gaza and accusations of unfair voting.

Despite calls for a vote on Israel’s participation, members instead approved a new set of rules aimed at preserving the integrity of the competition.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said in a statement that “participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values ​​that are indispensable for us.”

Spanish broadcaster RTVE added: “RTVE’s board of directors agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel became part of it.”

“This withdrawal also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final and preliminary semi-finals.”

Other broadcasters, including Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland, are also expected to withdraw from the competition.