Ireland has announced its decision not to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the primary reason for its withdrawal. The country’s public broadcaster, RTÉ, confirmed the decision, stating that the current situation and the loss of civilian lives in the region make participation unjustifiable.
RTÉ also raised concerns about the limitations on independent journalistic access to Gaza, which further influenced its decision-making process. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the annual music competition, has expressed respect for Ireland’s stance and maintained hopes for the country’s future involvement in the contest.
This marks the second consecutive year that Ireland will sit out the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2026, Ireland, along with the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia, opted for a boycott after the EBU decided to allow Israel to participate. The Netherlands has also signaled its intention to skip the 2027 event, though discussions about alternative broadcasters are ongoing. Meanwhile, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia have yet to disclose their plans regarding participation.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is slated to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May. As the event draws closer, the decisions of other nations could potentially impact the overall dynamics of the competition. The EBU continues to engage with broadcasters to ensure a diverse and inclusive lineup for the contest, despite the current geopolitical tensions influencing some countries’ participation choices.