On Saturday afternoon, approximately 60 demonstrators gathered in Kirchberg to protest outside the RTL building, demanding the broadcaster join five other networks in boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) over Israel’s participation in the 2026 edition.
The protest, organised by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) Luxembourg, called on RTL not to take part in the contest, which they argue Israel is using for “artwashing” – a term referring to the use of art to improve a controversial reputation. The demonstration was supported by the Waassermeloun collective, the Committee for a Just Peace in the Middle East (CPJPO), and The Left (Déi Lénk).
A BDS spokesperson stated that, should RTL decline to boycott the contest, an alternative music event would be organised in May. In addition to the ESC boycott demand – similar to a protest held in June 2024 – demonstrators also called for a free Palestine. Chants included “Free, free Palestine” and the more contentious slogan, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, which critics argue can be interpreted as denying Israel’s right to exist.
In speeches at the rally, Israel was described as a terrorist state accused of committing genocide in Gaza, despite a ceasefire, and of using the ESC for political whitewashing. Protesters argued that Israel has politicised and instrumentalised the song contest.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, has recently addressed such criticisms by implementing stricter new rules designed to prevent unfair influence over the competition’s outcome. As part of these decisions, the EBU confirmed that Israel will be permitted to participate in the next ESC, scheduled for 12–16 May 2026 in Vienna.
In response, several countries – including Slovenia, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Iceland – have announced plans to boycott the event, while others are still considering their position. Currently, Luxembourg’s official stance is neither to support Israel’s exclusion nor to join the broadcast boycott demanded by Saturday’s protesters.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s participation is further highlighted by recent actions from past ESC winners. On Friday, Switzerland’s 2024 winner, Nemo, returned their trophy in protest. Charlie McGettigan, Ireland’s 1994 winner, has since announced he will also return his trophy in solidarity.
The debate over the Middle East conflict extends beyond the ESC. On Friday, a protest organised by Waassermeloun and Students for Palestine was held at Place de l’Europe in Kirchberg, near the European Parliament offices. Approximately 40 to 50 activists demanded an end to EU funding for Israel through the Horizon research programme, arguing that continued financial support makes the EU “an accomplice”.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, 9 December, a separate demonstration took place outside the Financial Sector Supervisory Commission (CSSF) on Route d’Arlon. The group Collectives4Palestine accused the CSSF of indirectly financing the war in Gaza by allowing the trade of Israeli bonds.
