Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ says the country will not participate in or broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ links the decision to Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza, saying it cannot justify Ireland’s involvement given the “appalling and ongoing loss of lives” and the resulting humanitarian crisis affecting civilians.
RTÉ also states it remains concerned about the continued denial of independent access for international journalists to the territory. Several reports note this is the second year in a row Ireland boycotts Eurovision, after it withdrew from the 2026 contest in Vienna following the European Broadcasting Union’s confirmation that Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, would compete. Sky News, France 24 and other outlets describe the action as part of a wider protest wave that included multiple countries earlier.
Outlets also situate the move within broader debates about Eurovision’s neutrality. Euronews and other coverage link Ireland’s boycott to the Netherlands’ similar decision, citing disputes over whether recently changed Eurovision hosting and participation rules are sufficient to maintain “trustworthiness, independence and humanity.” RTÉ’s decision is reported as being received with regret but respect by Eurovision/EBU officials, while other countries are preparing to take part.
