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Ireland to boycott Eurovision 2027 over Gaza humanitarian crisis
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, has announced it will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria. This marks the second consecutive year the broadcaster will neither participate in nor air the event.
RTÉ cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the loss of life in Gaza as the primary reasons for its decision, stating that participation cannot be justified under current circumstances. The broadcaster also expressed deep concern regarding the lack of independent access for international journalists to the Gaza territory.
The boycott follows a trend of political tension surrounding the contest. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has also confirmed it will not participate in 2027, arguing that the competition can no longer be considered neutral while a participant is involved in a large-scale military conflict.
Eurovision Director Martin Green expressed regret over RTÉ's decision but stated that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) fully respects the broadcaster's autonomy. The 2027 contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May.
Entities
AVROTROS · Bulgaria · European Broadcasting Union · Eurovision Song Contest · Gaza · Ireland · Israel · Martin Green · RTÉ
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria. www.reader.gr · www.ethnos.gr · evoke.ie
- [● 2 SOURCES] RTÉ expressed concern regarding the lack of independent access for international journalists in Gaza. www.ethnos.gr · evoke.ie
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS previously announced it would also boycott the 2027 contest. www.reader.gr · halktv.com.tr · www.thepinknews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ireland's withdrawal from the 2027 contest is the second consecutive year of non-participation. www.ethnos.gr · halktv.com.tr · www.thepinknews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] RTÉ will not broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. www.reader.gr · www.ethnos.gr · evoke.ie · halktv.com.tr · www.thepinknews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) voted to allow Israel's participation in the contest. halktv.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Eurovision director Martin Green stated he respects RTÉ's decision to withdraw. evoke.ie
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. www.reader.gr · www.ethnos.gr · evoke.ie · halktv.com.tr · www.thepinknews.com