Speaking to Hashtag Eurovision, Maria Ferreira, RTP’s Director of Music and Stage Arts and Head of Press for Eurovision, dismissed the claims: “That news did not come from RTP. We don’t know where it originated. There are indeed a series of regular meetings between RTP and the EBU across different structures until December, but there was never a specific meeting scheduled for this purpose.”
The initial report was published by Portuguese radio TSF, which suggested that a meeting would take place on Thursday, September 25. Maria Ferreira clarified that no such meeting took place and underlined that RTP had not provided this information.
This comes amid mounting pressure within the Eurovision community, as several broadcasters have taken firm positions regarding Israel’s presence in the contest. RTVE has already announced that it will withdraw if the EBU does not exclude Israel, while Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have also threatened boycotts.
As previously reported, RTP has not yet confirmed Portugal’s participation in Eurovision 2026. Portuguese broadcaster stressed that it has no legal obligation to do so at this stage and reiterated that Festival da Canção will be held regardless of whether Portugal competes in Eurovision next year.
