Portugal Confirms Its Participation in Eurovision 2026 Despite Internal Unrest and a Wave of European Boycotts
Portugal has officially confirmed that it will participate in Eurovision 2026, even as several European broadcasters withdraw from the contest over Israel’s inclusion and RTP itself faces internal dissent. The decision, announced after Thursday’s EBU General Assembly in Switzerland, places Portugal among the countries choosing continuity at a moment when Eurovision is facing one of the most divisive seasons in its history.
RTP Votes “Yes” to Staying — and Explains Why
In a statement released after the meeting, RTP said it supported the reforms approved by the EBU, which include stricter limits on state-backed promotion, reinforced safeguards to prevent fraudulent voting and a reduction in the maximum number of televotes per viewer.
According to the broadcaster, these new rules provide “greater confidence in the neutrality and transparency of the event,” and were sufficient grounds for Portugal to continue competing in Vienna next May.
On that basis, RTP confirmed:
“Portugal will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.”
A Calm Official Decision, A Turbulent Internal Reaction
What RTP did not anticipate was the response inside its own walls.
Shortly after the announcement, employees expressed strong opposition, arguing that Eurovision 2026 is shaping up to be “one of the most polarising editions” in recent memory.
Staff members reportedly questioned whether Portugal’s continued participation aligns with the broadcaster’s public-service values, especially after Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia announced full boycotts linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza and allegations of political interference in the contest.
Some at RTP are now urging management to reconsider Portugal’s involvement, though the broadcaster has not indicated any intention to reopen the decision.
Portugal Stands Firm as Other Broadcasters Walk Away
Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have all confirmed they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition. Their withdrawal became final on Thursday after the EBU decided not to allow a vote on Israel’s participation.
Instead, members were asked only whether they felt the newly proposed safeguards were sufficient.
A large majority said yes — effectively closing the door on any vote regarding Israel.
While several broadcasters saw this as unacceptable, RTP concluded that the reforms were meaningful enough to continue. Portugal is now one of the few Western European countries maintaining its place in Vienna.
Israel Welcomes the Decision, but Controversy Continues
Following the announcement, Israeli president Isaac Herzog publicly thanked the members who supported Israel’s continued presence, saying the country “deserves to be represented on every stage in the world”.
Meanwhile, concerns over televoting irregularities and disproportionate promotion around Israel’s recent entries remain unresolved. These issues were part of the motivation behind the EBU’s new rules — rules RTP backed, even as many other broadcasters felt they did not go far enough.
Portugal Moves Forward — But Not Without Tension
For now, Portugal’s decision stands:
RTP will compete in Eurovision 2026.
But the atmosphere surrounding the broadcaster is anything but settled.
Internally, pressure is mounting. Externally, Europe is fractured. And the contest Portugal is preparing to enter may be the most politically charged Eurovision in decades.
Whether the country will navigate this storm smoothly — or be forced to rethink its stance — remains an open question.
