Ireland Boycotts Eurovision Again Over “Appalling Loss Of Lives In Gaza”

Ireland will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest for a second year in a row amid Israel‘s expected involvement in the 2027 event.

In a statement, Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.

“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. RTÉ also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory.”

Ireland becomes the second nation to pull out of the Eurovision Song Contest after Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said it would not participate in 2027.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “We regret that RTÉ will not be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, but we fully respect their decision and recognise the huge contribution they have made to the Contest. They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is at its best when broadcasters and their artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and create connections between audiences. That power to bring people together is at the heart of what makes the Contest so special, and is even more important now in an increasingly difficult and divided world.

“All broadcasters decide on an annual basis to participate in the following year’s Contest. We will remain in dialogue with RTÉ and hope to welcome them back to the Contest in the future.”

In December 2025, European broadcasters voted indirectly to allow Israel’s Kan to participate. Green has said that European Broadcasting Union members had spoken “conclusively” and there would not be another vote. Israel finished second in the 2026 contest, which was won by Bulgaria.

The 2027 event will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the final hosted at the Arena Burgas on May 15.