Portugal’s broadcaster RTP will meet next week with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to discuss the country’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, following protests over Israel’s presence in the contest. The information was reported by TSF, citing an RTP source, who declined to comment on the public broadcaster’s stance.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25.
Meanwhile, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has decided that if the EBU does not remove Israel from the contest, Spain will withdraw. The decision was approved by RTVE’s board of directors following a proposal from its president.
In recent weeks, several countries—including also Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—threatened to boycott Eurovision 2026 unless Israel is expelled.
Yesterday, Hashtag Eurovision reported first-hand that RTP has not confirmed Portugal’s participation in Eurovision 2026. Maria Ferreira, RTP’s Director of Music and Stage Arts and Head of Press for Eurovision, emphasized that the broadcaster has no legal obligation to confirm its participation at this time, and that the Festival da Canção will take place regardless of whether Portugal competes.
