Eurovision 2024 Winner Returns Trophy as Portugal Threatens Walkout Over Israel’s Controversial Participatio

Eurovision 2026 Controversy Deepens as Israel’s Participation Sparks Protests, Trophy Return, and Boycott Threats

The ongoing Eurovision Song Contest 2026 controversy over Israel’s participation has intensified following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) December 4 decision in Geneva to allow Israel to compete. The ruling has triggered widespread backlash across Europe, sparking artist protests, boycott threats, and a major symbolic gesture from a previous champion.

🎤 Eurovision 2024 Winner Nemo Returns Trophy in Protest

In Switzerland, Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo escalated tensions by returning their trophy to contest organizers. Posting a video on Instagram, Nemo condemned Eurovision being “used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing,” referencing findings from the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

Nemo argued that allowing Israel to participate directly contradicts Eurovision’s core values of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all, adding:

“I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.”

The artist urged the EBU to “live the values they claim,” warning that songs lose meaning if the contest does not embody the principles it celebrates.

🇵🇹 Portugal’s Eurovision Hopefuls Threaten Walkout

At the same time, 17 artists competing in Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2026 — the national selection show — announced they would refuse to participate in Eurovision if they are chosen and Israel remains in the lineup.

Their joint statement emphasized human rights and highlighted the inconsistency between banning Russia in 2022 for the invasion of Ukraine while permitting Israel to compete despite UN accusations of genocide in Gaza.

Even Portugal’s 2017 Eurovision champion, Salvador Sobral, criticized state broadcaster RTP for “political cowardice” over refusing to boycott the contest.

🇪🇺 Growing European Boycott Movement

Despite RTP confirming it will participate “regardless of the artists’ decision,” more nations continue to withdraw in protest.

Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland have all announced they will not take part in Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s inclusion.

This year’s champion, Austria’s JJ, also stated he wished the upcoming contest—set to be hosted in Austria—would proceed without Israel.

⚠️ Eurovision 2026 Faces Unprecedented Crisis

With trophy returns, national walkouts, and international withdrawals, Eurovision 2026 is facing one of the biggest crises in its history. Debate over human rights, political neutrality, and the future of the contest is expected to continue building as May approaches.