Ireland to boycott 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

On September 17, 2026, the Irish broadcaster RTE announced that Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision marks the second consecutive year of absence for the country, following a similar move in 2026. RTE explicitly stated that it would also refuse to broadcast the event, which is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria. The broadcaster cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the significant loss of life in Gaza as the primary reasons for its withdrawal, stating that participation cannot be justified under these circumstances.

Ireland was one of five nations—alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—that abstained from the 2026 contest in protest against Israel's inclusion. The Dutch broadcaster AvroTros confirmed its own continued boycott last month, describing the contest as a platform for division rather than a neutral event. RTE also raised concerns regarding restricted access for independent journalists in the conflict zone. As of now, the boycott reflects a broader trend of resistance among certain European national broadcasters regarding the competition's current political stance.