Ireland’s public service broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed that the country will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 and will not broadcast it.
In its statement the broadcaster said its position remains unchanged due to the loss of life and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. RTÉ also expressed concern that independent international journalists still do not have access to the territory.
The decision continues a boycott: Ireland had already refused to participate in and broadcast this year’s contest in Vienna after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed Israeli broadcaster KAN to compete.
Eurovision Director Martin Green said the EBU regrets RTÉ’s decision, but fully respects it and hopes the country will return in the future. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS had previously also announced it would not take part.
- Eurovision 2027 will be held in Bulgaria and will run from 11 to 15 May. The EBU will publish the final list of all participants later.
- Ireland has competed in the song contest since 1965 and has won seven times.