The Spanish broadcaster RTVE has issued a statement calling on the EBU to hold a debate on Israel’s participation at Eurovision 2025.
The statement, released on their website, says that they have written to the Director General of the EBU, Noel Curran, requesting the opening of a debate within the organisation. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, is a membership body comprised of broadcasters from across Europe, many of whom compete at the contest.
RTVE says in its statement that it is acknowledging “the concerns raised by various civil society groups in Spain regarding the situation in Gaza.” Furthermore, the broadcaster says they feel it would be “appropriate” for the EBU’s members to debate whether the Israeli broadcaster, KAN, should be allowed to compete at the contest.
The full statement reads as follows:
In accordance with the agreements reached by the Board of Directors, the president of RTVE Corporation has written to the director general of EBU, Noel Curran, requesting the opening of a debate within the organization on the participation of Israel’s public television (KAN) in the next Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Basel in May.
In this letter, RTVE conveys its commitment to the EBU, but also acknowledges the concerns raised by various civil society groups in Spain regarding the situation in Gaza and the participation of the public television station KAN in the competition.
RTVE believes it would be appropriate for the EBU to recognize the existence of this debate and facilitate a space for reflection among EBU member broadcasters on the participation of Israeli public television station KAN.
RTVE’s statement does not mean that they are actively calling for an Israeli withdrawal. However, their statement does indicate that they feel Israel’s continued participation in Europe is something that should be spoken about and considered by the wider membership of the EBU.
Israel’s participation at Eurovision has been a controversial topic since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. Many artists, musicians and fans across Europe have called for Israel to be excluded from the competition because of their involvement in military action.
Spain’s broadcaster is not the first EBU member to raise concerns about Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025. Several months ago, the council of Slovenia’s RTV SLO directed the broadcaster’s Management Board to initiate a request with the EBU for Israel not to participate in the contest.
As part of the directive from the council, the Management Board was required to “keep the broadcaster’s council and the wider public informed about their efforts.” However, since that news was reported, there have been no further updates from RTV SLO.
As it stands, Israel will participate in Eurovision 2025 as normal, with Yuval Raphael performing “New Day Will Rise” in Basel. Spain will be represented by Melody and her song “Esa Diva” at the upcoming contest in May.
Image Source: Daniel Stridh / Eurovoix | Source: RTVE
