Ireland to boycott 2027 Eurovision over Gaza crisis

The Irish broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed that Ireland will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. This marks the second consecutive year the country will opt out of the event.

RTÉ stated that participation cannot be justified due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and loss of life in Gaza, citing Israel’s participation in the contest as the reason for the decision. Ireland is currently the only nation to have finalized a boycott for the 2027 contest, which is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.

Other nations, including Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland, are still evaluating their positions. A decision regarding Spain is expected by mid-October, while Slovenia and Iceland have noted financial or programming limitations in their decision-making processes. The grace period to withdraw from the contest without financial penalties ends in mid-October.