"Following announcements from Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland, Spain became on Wednesday the first country among the "Big Five," the five largest contributors to the Eurovision Song Contest, to officially declare its decision to boycott the 2026 event to be held in Vienna from May 12-16, if Israel's participation goes ahead as planned. The country's withdrawal was approved by a majority of the board of directors of Spanish state broadcaster RTVE, with 10 votes in favour, four against, and one abstention."
"The vote came after Spanish Minister for Culture, Ernest Urtasun, stated last week that Spain should withdraw from the event if Israel remained on the list of participating countries. Dutch public broadcaster, AVROTROS, also stated that it could "no longer justify Israel's participation in the current situation, given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza." A decision on Israel's participation is expected in December."
"Israel made its debut at Eurovision in 1973, when it was still called the "Grand Prix d'Eurovision de la Chanson." That was when the country became a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an association including 73 active members of broadcasters from 56 countries and 35 associate members from 21 countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Israel is not the only non-European participant in the contest."
Spain's RTVE board approved withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna if Israel participates, with 10 votes in favour, four against, and one abstention. The decision followed Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun's call to pull out if Israel remained on the participants list. Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland made similar announcements. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said it could no longer justify Israel's participation given the severe human suffering in Gaza. A decision on Israel's participation is expected in December. Israel joined the contest after becoming a member of the European Broadcasting Union in 1973.
Read at www.dw.com
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