Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest over Israel’s participation, Irish broadcaster RTÉ announced Thursday.
RTÉ, which also boycotted the competition last year, said that “our position remains unchanged,” citing “the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the loss of life.” The broadcaster added that it was also “deeply concerned” by the continued lack of independent access for journalists to the Gaza Strip.
Ireland in the Eurovision 2025 semi-final
(Photo: Alma Bengtsson/EBU)
Ireland is the first country to formally and definitively announce its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027. In the Netherlands, the broadcaster also has said it will not take part, although the final decision was transferred to another broadcasting body. Several other countries have yet to announce a final decision on participation, including the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, Hungary and Belgium.
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, and Israel is expected to compete in the second semifinal because of the contest’s proximity to Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and Independence Day.