Spanish
Slovenia's public television (RTV Slovenija) reiterated this Monday that it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel competes, a position also taken by Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
"If Israel remains among the participating countries, RTV Slovenija will not participate in Eurovision 2026," the public broadcaster states in a message to EFE.
"For 69 years, Eurovision has sought to unite nations through music and build bridges after wars and divisions. Its values are based on peace, equality and respect," he explains.
"In light of the devastating situation in Gaza, RTV Slovenija questions whether Israel's participation is consistent with these values. It is essential that the same rules apply to all participating countries," it adds.
"RTV Slovenija emphasizes that the fundamental principles of public media service are not compatible with severe human suffering, the suppression of free media, and the misuse of cultural events for political purposes, as has been observed in recent years," it concludes.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, convened an extraordinary assembly in November for the public television stations that make it up to vote on whether Israel participates in the 2026 edition, given the opposition of several members due to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The public televisions of Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have also publicly expressed their intention not to participate in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision festival if Israel does.
Spain is currently the only country to adopt such a decision among those that make up the so-called 'Big Five', which includes the five members that make the largest contributions to the EBU, the other four being Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
For Israel to be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, an absolute majority of the votes of the EBU members is required.
