Portugal is among the 36 countries confirmed to participate in the 2027 edition of the competition, which continues to face boycotts from countries refusing to take part because of Israel's participation.

While the Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland have already confirmed they will maintain their boycotts, Spain and Slovenia have yet to make a final decision. However, the 2027 edition will also mark Canada's debut at the Eurovision Song Contest, in a year that also sees a new partnership with the European Union.

The EBU has given Spain and Slovenia more time to decide whether to participate, extending the deadline until December.

Eurovision boycotts remain undecided

Spain's participation remains one of the main uncertainties surrounding the next edition.

As a member of the Big Five, Spain is traditionally guaranteed a place in the final because it is one of the contest's largest financial contributors. However, the country did not participate in 2026, and José Pablo López, president of Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, has recommended continuing the boycott in 2027.

The situation is similar for Slovenia. Although it is not among the contest's largest financial contributors, the country is still assessing whether the conditions are right for it to participate. Like Spain, it has until December to announce its decision.

Eurovision boycotts confirmed

The Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland have confirmed they will not participate in Eurovision 2027 in protest against Israel's involvement in the contest amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Amid concerns in some countries about the validity of the results awarded to Israel, the EBU has sought to address criticism by changing the contest's rules. The changes include new safeguards against potential external interference, stricter limits on voting and a greater role for professional juries in awarding points.

However, these changes have not proved sufficient to prevent the confirmed boycotts.

Canada debuts as North Macedonia returns

Despite the boycotts, Eurovision 2027 will welcome Canada for the first time. The country's participation will be handled by public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, following its admission as an EBU member.

Another development is the return of North Macedonia, which will rejoin the competition after four years of absence, bringing the total number of participating countries to 36.

Set The Portugal News as your preferred source for news on Google

GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google