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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has threatened Spain's public broadcaster RTVE with punitive fines if its commentators mention the Gaza conflict during Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest's 2025 final, according to a report by RTVE.
The warning came after RTVE commentators referenced the deaths of over 50,000 civilians, including more than 15,000 children, in Gaza as the Israeli contestant was being introduced during Thursday's semifinal broadcast.
"Casualty figures have no place in an apolitical entertainment show," the EBU stated in a letter to RTVE, instructing the broadcaster to adhere to guidelines that prohibit political statements that could "compromise the contest's neutrality."
The letter further warned: "We count on RTVE's full cooperation to prevent any recurrence. Any further breach may incur punitive fines under the rules."
Despite the threat, Spanish daily El Pais reported that RTVE was planning to include similar commentary during Saturday's final. The Spanish broadcaster has criticized the EBU for what it calls "poorly" handling Israel's participation by "suppressing criticism and limiting freedom of expression."
RTVE has also renewed its call for a debate on Israel's inclusion in the song competition and advocated for justice and respect for human rights during Thursday's semifinals.
The Spanish broadcaster is not alone in its criticism. Belgium's Flemish public broadcaster VRT, doubling down on their pro-Palestinian stance in Eurovision 2024, showed message during Eurovision 2025's first semifinal earlier in the week and has supported RTVE's call for debate, along with delegations from Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland.
Belgium's Eurovision 2024 broadcast was briefly interrupted by VRT unions showing a solidarity message for Palestinians that condemned Israel's actions, with protests occurring both at Belgian broadcasters and in Malmö where thousands marched, including Greta Thunberg, who had been detained in said protests.
The controversy extends beyond broadcasters, as several audience members were reportedly removed from a Eurovision dress rehearsal for carrying Palestinian flags.
The dispute highlights growing opposition to Israel's participation in the contest. Earlier this month, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter calling for Israel's public broadcaster to be banned from the competition.
"By continuing to platform the representation of the Israeli state, the EBU is normalizing and whitewashing its crimes," the letter stated, accusing Eurovision of employing double standards for expelling Russia from the competition while allowing Israel to participate.
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