Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest due to ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, confirmed RTÉ, the country’s public broadcaster. The decision highlights the broadcaster’s stance against participation amidst the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region, which has led to significant civilian casualties.
RTÉ emphasized that its position remains unchanged from previous years and expressed unease over the restrictions on international journalists accessing Gaza. This stance echoes a broader concern regarding the ability to report independently from the territory.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for organizing Eurovision, acknowledged Ireland’s decision, stating it respects the choice and remains hopeful for Ireland’s future return to the competition.
This move follows a similar boycott in 2026, when Ireland, alongside the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia, withdrew from the contest after the EBU permitted Israel’s participation. The Netherlands has already signaled its intention to skip the 2027 event, although discussions are ongoing to see if another broadcaster might step in. Meanwhile, decisions from Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia remain pending.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is slated to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May, continuing the tradition of gathering diverse musical acts from across Europe and beyond.