Boycott threats at the ESC: RTL Luxembourg is keeping an eye on the situation and is also following the consultation process within the EBU, but is not currently joining any calls for a boycott. / © AFP
Amid growing international calls to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest due to the war in Gaza, RTL Luxembourg has stated it is following the European Broadcasting Union's consultation process while continuing its preparations for the 2026 contest "as planned."
Calls to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) due to the war in Gaza are growing, prompting questions about its participation in future events.
Regarding a potential boycott for the 2026 contest, RTL Luxembourg refers to the ongoing consultation process with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and highlights that preparations are continuing as planned for now.
The conflict's impact has extended far beyond the Middle East, influencing sectors from sports to culture. Protests have previously disrupted events like the Vuelta cycling race, and the cultural scene has seen calls to boycott Israeli artists. Recently in Luxembourg, there were objections to a performance by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani at the Philharmonie.
The ESC and the Palestine question
The ESC has been a focal point for this debate for the past two years. The 2024 contest in Malmö saw significant protests against Israel's participation, while Palestinian flags were visible at demonstrations during this year's event in Basel.
Ahead of the ESC final in Basel: pro-Palestine demonstrators in the city centre. / © AFP
Regarding the question of a possible boycott due to Israel's presence or (forced) absence from the ESC 2026 in Austria, RTL Luxembourg emphasises the contest's founding principles:
"For many years, the Eurovision Song Contest has been a platform for cultural exchange, bringing people together from all over Europe and beyond. The competition stands for diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect – values that do not depend on borders, beliefs or origin. The competition is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) together with its members, independent of government influence."
EBU principles play "a central role"
RTL Luxembourg is participating in the EBU's ongoing consultations, emphasising the importance of the union's guiding principles:
"As a member of the EBU, RTL Luxembourg is following the ongoing consultation process and the decisions being discussed within it. We are monitoring the situation very closely and remain focused on ensuring that the principles that guide the EBU continue to play a central role in future developments."
A decision on Israel's participation is expected during the EBU General Assembly in early December. The body will determine whether Israel can remain in the competition or if certain member broadcasters will withdraw in protest. Pressure for a resolution is high, with several countries advocating for a boycott while others, like Germany, oppose such a measure.
The stance of several national broadcasters has already been made clear. To date, five countries, including financial heavyweights Spain and the Netherlands, have issued official statements declaring they will withdraw from ESC 2026 if Israel participates.
Meanwhile, Belgian broadcaster VRT stated that it "shares and supports the position of the countries withdrawing." While its francophone counterpart RTBF will represent Belgium in 2026, VRT stressed that it "expects a strong signal from the organiser, the EBU. If that signal is not strong enough, VRT reserves the right to no longer broadcast the Song Contest."
On Tuesday, three of seven board members at Italian public broadcaster Rai called for Italy, another "Big Five" country, to withdraw from the contest if Israel participates.
"Continuing as planned"
Amid the uncertainty, RTL Luxembourg confirmed that domestic preparations are moving forward: "In parallel, preparations for the next editions of the Luxembourg Song Contest and the Eurovision Song Contest are currently continuing as planned."
The Luxembourg Song Contest is scheduled for 24 January 2026 at Rockhal, where the nation's representative for ESC 2026 in Vienna will be selected.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Vienna: whether Israel will participate or not is currently a much-debated question.
