Eurovision boycott backed by Spain broadcaster chief

The head of Spain's public broadcaster said Tuesday that he would propose another Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, potentially adding Spain to the countries staying away from the 2027 contest.

Jose Pablo Lopez, president of RTVE, told a Senate committee that it was “deeply painful” that Israel's public broadcaster would continue to take part in Eurovision while the situation in Gaza continued.

“For this reason, I announce that I will propose to the RTVE board that we maintain the suspension of our participation in Eurovision,” Lopez said. Spanish media have reported that the board's next meeting will be held by mid-October.

Spain joined the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland and Slovenia in pulling out of this year's contest in Austria in protest over Israel's presence. Ireland and the Netherlands have also announced boycotts of the 2027 contest in Bulgaria.

Irish broadcaster RTE cited “the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.” The Gaza health ministry says Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,300 people in the territory since an October 2025 ceasefire, figures the United Nations considers generally reliable.

Spain is one of Eurovision's “big five” financial contributors, which automatically qualify for the final. Eurovision organisers said in August that any country involved in an armed conflict would be excluded from hosting the competition.