LONDON: Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year, with national broadcaster RTE citing the continuing loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
RTE announced on Thursday that Ireland would neither participate in nor broadcast next year’s competition, scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.
The broadcaster said it could not justify Ireland’s participation while civilians continued to face severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Ireland was among five countries that stayed away from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation. Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain also did not compete.
RTE Says Participation Cannot Be Justified
“RTE feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there,” the broadcaster said.
Meanwhile, Dutch broadcaster AvroTros announced last month that the Netherlands would also stay away from the 2027 contest.
Burgas will host the competition after Bulgaria secured its first Eurovision victory in May.
Furthermore, Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said the European Broadcasting Union regretted Ireland’s decision but respected RTE’s position.
“They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed,” RTE quoted Green as saying.
Ireland Extends Eurovision Absence Into Second Year
The decision extends Ireland’s Eurovision absence after its withdrawal from the 2026 edition and keeps the Gaza conflict at the centre of debate surrounding participation in the international music competition.
Ireland has historically maintained a prominent presence at Eurovision, making its continued absence notable for the contest.
However, RTE made clear that humanitarian concerns surrounding Gaza remained decisive in its position for 2027.
The broadcaster did not indicate whether its withdrawal would extend beyond next year, leaving Ireland’s participation in future Eurovision contests dependent on circumstances at that time.
