Ireland Withdraws From Eurovision 2027 Over Israel’s Participation

Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, with national broadcaster RTÉ confirming that it will also refuse to broadcast the competition because of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s continued participation in the contest.

RTÉ announced the decision on Thursday, September 17, saying its position on Eurovision participation “remains unchanged” after Ireland also stayed out of the 2026 competition.

The broadcaster said Ireland’s participation could not be justified given what it described as the “ongoing loss of lives in Gaza” and the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians. RTÉ also raised concerns about the continued denial of independent access to international journalists seeking to enter Gaza.

Ireland’s decision means the country will miss Eurovision for a second consecutive year. In 2026, Ireland was among five countries — alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain — that did not participate in the contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed Israel to compete.

The debate over Israel’s participation has continued into preparations for the 2027 contest, with several broadcasters questioning whether the competition can maintain its political neutrality while Israel remains involved. The Netherlands has also announced that it will not participate in Eurovision 2027, citing concerns over the contest’s neutrality in the context of the war in Gaza.

Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green said the European Broadcasting Union regretted Ireland’s decision but respected RTÉ’s right to determine whether it participates.

He said Ireland remains a valued member of the Eurovision community and that the EBU would continue discussions with the broadcaster, while expressing hope that Ireland would return to the contest in the future.

Eurovision 2027 is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Bulgarian singer Dara’s victory at the 2026 contest in Vienna.

Ireland has been one of Eurovision’s most successful participants, having won the competition seven times. Its continued absence therefore represents a notable development as the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation carries into another Eurovision season.