Lorraine Williamson
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest, held in Basel, Switzerland, was dominated by debate over Israel’s involvement amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Spain’s national broadcaster, RTVE, became a focal point of controversy after making public statements in support of Palestine.
Eurovision: From song contest to social commentary
The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 as a unifying cultural project in post-war Europe, with just seven countries taking part. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the world’s largest televised music events, drawing entries from more than 40 countries, including some outside Europe, such as Australia and Israel. While it was once primarily a light-hearted showcase of pop music, today’s Eurovision increasingly reflects broader social and political issues. From LGBTQ+ rights to geopolitical tensions, the contest has evolved into a platform where entertainment and activism sometimes collide, challenging organisers’ efforts to maintain a strictly non-political stance.
RTVE broadcast sparks warning from EBU
During the second semi-final, La 1 commentators Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the growing civilian death toll. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, responded by warning RTVE to avoid political messaging. The EBU stressed the importance of neutrality and threatened sanctions if such content appeared again.
Despite this, RTVE broadcast a written message ahead of the final. It read: “When it comes to human rights, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine.”
Public protests and broadcaster responses
Outside the venue in Basel, human rights groups and pro-Palestinian activists organised protests during the contest. Some criticised the EBU for allowing Israel’s continued participation.
Belgium’s Flemish broadcaster, VRT, also took a stand. Although Belgium had already been eliminated, VRT cut its Eurovision broadcast during Israel’s performance. It replaced it with a black screen and a message condemning Israeli human rights violations and press censorship. The message ended with hashtags: #CeaseFireNow and #StopGenocideNow.
Israel places second amid televote backlash
Israel finished second in the final thanks largely to televoting. The result prompted backlash, especially on social media. Some viewers expressed frustration that a politically controversial act had ranked so highly.
Spain, represented by Melody, ended in 24th place. Spanish media have speculated that RTVE’s public support for Palestine may have influenced the final vote.
Broadcasters walk a political tightrope
This year’s contest underscored Eurovision’s increasingly complex relationship with global politics. Public broadcasters across Europe are facing growing pressure to take a stance on humanitarian issues, particularly as audiences become more politically aware.
While the EBU maintains that the contest should remain apolitical, recent events suggest that cultural events cannot be entirely separated from international affairs. RTVE’s position, alongside VRT’s actions, signals a shift in how broadcasters may engage with global issues moving forward.
For now, the EBU faces a dilemma. If broadcasters continue to voice political positions, especially during live events, the organisation will need to reassess its rules — or risk further dissent.