Ireland will not participate in or broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, with public broadcaster RTÉ citing the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s inclusion in the competition.
Ireland has announced that it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest for a second consecutive year, becoming the latest country to withdraw from the event over Israel’s participation.
Irish public broadcaster RTÉ confirmed on Thursday that Ireland would not send a representative to Eurovision 2027 and would not broadcast the competition.
The broadcaster said its participation could not be justified in light of the ongoing loss of civilian life in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
RTÉ also expressed concern over the continued lack of independent access for international journalists seeking to report from Gaza.
Ireland Withdraws for a Second Consecutive Year
Ireland’s decision follows its withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
The country was among several participating nations that declined to take part in the 2026 competition after Israel was allowed to remain in the contest. Spain, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands also withdrew that year.
The latest decision means Ireland will once again be absent from both the Eurovision stage and television coverage of the event.
The Eurovision Song Contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union and remains one of the world’s most widely watched annual television music events.
Netherlands Also Rejects Eurovision Participation
Ireland’s announcement follows a similar decision by Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS.
The Netherlands has also confirmed that it will not participate in Eurovision 2027, arguing that the competition can no longer be considered politically neutral while Israel remains involved in a major military conflict in Gaza.
AVROTROS previously said that the changes introduced by Eurovision organisers did not sufficiently address concerns surrounding Israel’s participation.
The Dutch broadcaster also criticised what it described as the growing influence of political developments on the competition.
Eurovision Organisers Respond
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said organisers respected RTÉ’s decision but regretted Ireland’s absence.
“They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed,” Green said.
He added that the European Broadcasting Union would remain in contact with RTÉ and hoped Ireland would return to the competition in the future.
Green also defended Eurovision’s role as a platform for bringing people together through music and creativity.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is at its best when broadcasters and their artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and create connections between audiences,” he said.
He described that role as particularly important during a period marked by international division and conflict.
Growing Debate Over Israel’s Participation
Israel’s continued participation in Eurovision has triggered protests from broadcasters, artists and campaigners across Europe.
Critics have questioned why Israel has been permitted to compete while Russia was excluded from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The European Broadcasting Union has maintained that Eurovision is a non-political music competition and that participation is determined by the eligibility of member broadcasters.
However, the issue has become increasingly controversial as the war in Gaza continues to shape public debate across Europe.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Eurovision venue in Vienna during the 2026 final to oppose Israel’s participation.
New Rules Ahead of Eurovision 2027
Eurovision organisers have introduced new rules ahead of the 2027 competition in an effort to address concerns over political influence, voting and the hosting of the event.
The EBU announced that countries involved in armed conflicts would no longer be eligible to host the contest.
Organisers also introduced changes to the voting system, including adjustments to jury participation and restrictions on promotional campaigns.
Despite these measures, AVROTROS said the changes were not enough to resolve its concerns about Israel’s continued involvement.
The disagreement has placed Eurovision organisers under increasing pressure to explain how political neutrality is applied across different international conflicts.
Eurovision 2027 to Take Place in Bulgaria
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria following the country’s victory in the 2026 competition.
Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 contest with her song “Bangaranga,” securing the country’s first Eurovision victory.
The 2027 event is expected to bring together broadcasters and artists from across Europe, although the final list of participating countries remains subject to confirmation.
Ireland’s absence will be particularly notable given the country’s long history in the competition.
Ireland’s Eurovision Legacy
Ireland first entered Eurovision in 1965 and has won the contest seven times, sharing the record for the most victories with Sweden.
The country’s most recent win came in 1996, when Eimear Quinn took first place with “The Voice.”
Ireland also made Eurovision history by winning the competition three consecutive times, in 1992, 1993 and 1994.
The country’s decision to withdraw for a second year represents a major departure from its long-standing relationship with the contest.
As preparations continue for Eurovision 2027, the debate over Israel’s participation is expected to remain a major issue for broadcasters, performers and audiences.
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