A wave of protests has marked the run-up to Eurovision 2026 following the announcement that Israel will take part in the contest. In response, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia have confirmed they will not compete, joining a coordinated boycott driven by political tensions and international criticism.
In addition, Spain’s public broadcaster has announced that it will not air the contest, aligning itself with the boycott movement and increasing pressure on the event’s organizers.
Despite the growing number of countries joining the protest, Portugal has confirmed it will participate in Eurovision 2026. The decision comes even as a significant public movement urges RTP to reverse its position and join the boycott. Petitions are circulating online, and demonstrations have been organized by groups opposing Israel’s presence in the event.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, has not yet commented on potential changes to the format or participating countries following the boycott announcements, but the controversy is already casting doubt on the contest’s stability and reach in 2026.
