Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ has announced that it will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel’s participation, saying it will neither send an artist to the competition nor broadcast the event.
RTÉ announced the decision on Thursday, September 17, citing the continuing loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The broadcaster said the situation continues to place the lives of many civilians at risk, according to the Associated Press.
Ireland was among five countries that boycotted the Eurovision this year over Israel’s participation. The other four were the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia and Spain.
Eurovision director Martin Green expressed regret over Ireland’s decision but said it would be fully respected.
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced last month that it would also withdraw from the 2027 contest. It said the Eurovision could no longer be regarded as a neutral event, particularly while one of its participating countries is involved in a large-scale military conflict.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in May in Burgas, a Black Sea city in Bulgaria. Bulgaria was selected as the host after its singer Dara won the 2026 contest.
COMMENTS