Ireland formalizes Eurovision 2027 boycott over Gaza and Israel participation

Broadcaster decision and Gaza protest

Irish public broadcaster RTÉ confirmed on 17 September 2026 that Ireland will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year. The decision means Ireland will neither enter a contestant nor broadcast the television competition. In an official statement, the network explained that its stance remained unchanged from 2026, citing the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. RTÉ specifically pointed to the danger facing civilians and the persistent denial of access for independent international journalists attempting to report from Gaza.

RTE feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.

European boycott movement and EBU reaction

Ireland's action follows a decision made in late August 2026 by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which announced it would not enter the 2027 contest due to concerns over neutrality. The move extends a coalition of protesting nations from the 2026 contest in Vienna, where Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain all withdrew after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israeli public broadcaster KAN was eligible to participate. Dutch network director Taco Zimmerman stated that international conflicts have compromised the event's neutral character.

It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly influencing the Contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform of division.

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green acknowledged RTÉ's formal notice, stating that the European Broadcasting Union respected the decision and intended to maintain communication with Irish television executives regarding future participation.

They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed.

Host city preparations and Canada debut

The 2027 edition of the contest will take place in the Bulgarian Black Sea coastal city of Burgas, with semi-finals scheduled for 11 and 13 May 2027 and the grand final on 15 May 2027. Bulgaria was awarded hosting duties after singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, earned the country's first victory at the 2026 competition in Vienna, where Israeli representative Noam Bettan finished in second place. Alongside logistical preparations for hotel capacity and venue security in Burgas, the 2027 roster will feature the debut of Canada. This marks the first expansion to a new country since Australia joined in 2015, with the Canadian act required to progress through the standard semi-final qualification stages.

Irish contest history and audience shifts

Ireland holds one of the most decorated records in the competition, having debuted in 1965 and won the title seven times, in 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996. The country remains tied with Sweden for the most overall victories in Eurovision history, with its last win secured by Eimear Quinn performing The Voice. The boycott and surrounding debates occurred alongside a measurable shift in broadcast viewership. The 2026 contest in Vienna attracted 131 million viewers, down by 35 million compared to the 2025 broadcast. The European Broadcasting Union has yet to release the finalized roster of participating broadcasters for 2027.