According to RTVE’s statement, the letter acknowledges “concerns raised by various civil society groups in Spain” related to the “situation in Gaza” and Israel’s participation in the contest, the final of which is scheduled for 17 May in Switzerland.

In this context, RTVE argues, “it would be appropriate for the EBU to acknowledge the existence of this debate and provide space for reflection among the broadcasters” that are part of the organisation, “on the participation of Israeli public television” in the competition, concludes the Spanish public group.

The letter is signed by the president of RTVE, José Pablo López, and addressed to the director general of the EBU, Noel Curran.

RTVE’s request comes after petitions were launched in Finland at the end of March asking Yle public television to put pressure on the EBU to exclude Israel from the 2025 edition because of the war in Gaza.

Last year’s 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, was marred by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From the moment it became known that Israel was going to take part in the contest, several calls were made by European political representatives and artists for the country’s participation to be vetoed.

There were demonstrations outside the arena that hosted the final, and the participation of the representative of the Netherlands was cancelled after a backstage "incident" with the Tel Aviv delegation.