As discussions surrounding Israeli participation at Eurovision continue, Luxembourgish broadcaster RTL confirmed it would continue its preparations “as planned”.
Planned national final going ahead
On Wednesday (September 24th), the submissions window for the Luxembourg Song Contest officially closed. This now means that RTL can examine the submitted entries and press ahead with its national final as it had planned to.
In a statement relased by its news service, RTL said it was remaining in touch with the EBU regarding the Israel discussions at hand. However, while it shared concerns for the future of the show, RTL confirmed it would not be withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 just yet. The statement read:
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.
In parallel, preparations for the next editions of the Luxembourg Song Contest and the Eurovision Song Contest are currently continuing as planned.
RTL reiterated the EBU’s stance that the Contest is organised between broadcasters and not governments. However, it said it understood the gravity of the situation and is in talks with other broadcasters regarding the situation. A decision on Israeli participation will be held in December, with countries being allowed to officially confirm or withdraw following the decision.
Luxembourg’s Eurovision journey
Luxembourg first made its debut in the first edition of the Contest in 1956, with their first entries being “Ne crois pas” and “Les Amants de minuit”, both performed by Michèle Arnaud. Since the first Contest, Luxembourg has competed a total of 38 times. Their best result was finishing in 1st place five times – in 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973 and 1983 respectively.
Luxembourg’s latest participation came in Basel in 2025. Laura Thorn represented Luxembourg with the song “La poupée monte le son”, qualifying in seventh place. In the Grand Final, Luxembourg finished 22nd, receiving 47 points: 23 from the national juries, and 24 from the televoters.
What do you make of RTL’s move to carry on as planned? Is the prospect of Israel being banned getting higher? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: RTL
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Thomas James