Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest or broadcast the competition, RTÉ has said, citing the continuing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
The decision means Ireland will miss Eurovision for a second consecutive year. The 2027 contest is due to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, after the country’s first victory in May.
In a statement, RTÉ said: “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.”
Ireland was among five countries that did not take part in the 2026 competition in protest at Israel’s participation. Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain also stayed away.
Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros said in August that it would boycott the contest again in 2027.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said the European Broadcasting Union regretted but respected RTÉ’s decision.
“They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed,” RTÉ reported him as saying.
Israel’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
