Italy faces boycott campaign A campaign calling for Italy’s withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been launched by USB – RAI, a trade union within Italy’s public broadcaster RAI. The petition, which aims to gather 3,000 signatures, urges Italy to join other countries in boycotting the event over ethical objections to Israel’s participation.
In a statement, USB highlighted that Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have already taken what they describe as “courageous decisions” to distance themselves from Eurovision. The union argued that for RAI, withdrawing from the contest and refusing to broadcast it would not only be an “ethical and empathetic stance” but also set an example of “moral leadership” on the international stage.
The Italian campaign aligns with growing boycott efforts across Europe. Recently, Iceland announced its withdrawal from the competition, while Portugal’s participation is also uncertain due to Israel’s involvement. A group of artists in Portugal has already declared they will refuse to perform in Vienna under current conditions.
Italy’s representative for Eurovision is traditionally chosen through the upcoming Sanremo Festival. The growing boycott movement may influence public and institutional attitudes ahead of the selection, placing pressure on RAI to reconsider its participation amid heightened political and ethical debates surrounding the contest.
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