A union representing staff at Italian broadcaster RAI has launched a petition calling on Italy to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing opposition to Israel’s confirmed participation in the competition.
Petition launched by USB-RAI coordination
The initiative comes from USB, an Italian trade union with a small but active presence among staff at public broadcaster RAI, which currently counts around 50 members. The petition is aiming to collect at least 3000 signatures and urges RAI to follow other broadcasters that have already withdrawn from the contest.
“Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have taken a courageous decision: they will not take part in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest”
The union argues that Italy should take a similar stance, including withdrawing from broadcasting the event.
“A moral and ethical position”
According to USB-RAI coordination, an Italian withdrawal would represent more than a symbolic gesture.
“By withdrawing Italy from Eurovision, RAI would not only be taking an ethically and empathetically justifiable position, it would also be setting an example as a moral leader on the international stage”
The group maintains that participation in Eurovision, under the current circumstances, conflicts with values of human dignity, equality and justice.
Pressure on RAI’s leadership
USB representative Claudio Ciccone explained that the petition is intended to increase pressure on RAI’s board of directors and could be followed by further actions, including demonstrations outside RAI headquarters and requests for formal meetings with management.
“What we can do is put pressure on the board through the petition”
Ciccone said, adding that the ultimate goal is for RAI to withdraw its delegation from Eurovision 2026. He also noted that calls for a boycott had already been raised earlier in the year, particularly during public demonstrations held in Italy following developments around Israel’s participation.
RAI maintains its participation
Despite the petition, RAI confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 earlier this month. In a statement issued on 5 December, the broadcaster reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the contest as a founding member and part of the Big Five.
RAI stated that its continued involvement reflects the broadcaster’s long-standing investment in Eurovision as a cultural event that brings together audiences across Europe and beyond.
At the time of writing, RAI has not issued a specific response to the USB–RAI petition.
Italy’s Eurovision journey
Italy has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since the very beginning and have always been considered a powerhouse in the contest. The country has won the contest on three occasions in 1964, 1990 and 2021. Italy withdrew after 1997, returning again in 2011 with Raphael Gualazzi who sang ‘Madness Of Love’. Raphael placed second in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest after scoring 189 points.
Italy’s most recent entry in 2025 was “Volevo essere un duro” by Lucio Corsi. At the close of voting, Italy scored a total of 256 points in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final, placing 5th. Of these, 159 points came from the juries, whilst the remaining 97 points came from the televote.
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News Source: euronews
Photo credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
George Oiko