Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has passionately defended his country’s decision to skip this year’s Eurovision Song Contest — marking the first time Spain is neither participating nor broadcasting the event. Speaking in a video posted on X, Sánchez described the move as a ‘coherent’ act of protest against Israel’s participation, stating firmly: “We are convinced we are on the right side of history.”
A Historic Boycott Amid Broader Tensions
This year’s 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Vienna. However, the traditionally festive celebration of pop music has been overshadowed by political controversy following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza — launched in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
The opening of the first semi-final on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, unfolded under the shadow of protests demanding Israel’s exclusion from the contest. In solidarity with that stance, public broadcasters from five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia — have boycotted the event entirely.
Fewest Participating Countries Since 2003
As a result, this year’s contest features just 35 participating nations — the lowest number since 2003. The absence of these major European broadcasters reflects deepening divisions over how cultural institutions should respond to ongoing geopolitical conflict.