Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, the country’s public broadcaster RTÉ announced, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the reason for its decision. This marks the second consecutive year Ireland has opted out of the competition, maintaining its stance amid concerns over civilian casualties and restricted journalist access in the region.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for organizing Eurovision, has acknowledged Ireland’s choice and expressed hope that the country might rejoin the contest in the future. Ireland’s withdrawal follows a similar boycott in 2026, when it joined the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia in protesting the EBU’s decision to include Israel in the competition.
The Netherlands has also signaled its intention to sit out the 2027 event, although discussions are ongoing about the possibility of another broadcaster stepping in to represent the country. Meanwhile, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia have yet to declare their plans regarding participation.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is slated to occur in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May. The decision by Ireland and the Netherlands to forgo participation highlights the intersection of international entertainment and geopolitical issues, as countries weigh their involvement in light of global conflicts.