Ireland to Skip Eurovision for Second Year Over Gaza Conflict
National broadcaster RTE cites 'appalling and ongoing loss of lives' in its decision not to participate in the 2027 contest.
Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year, national broadcaster RTE announced on Thursday. The decision stems from the "appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there," RTE stated.
Ireland was among five countries that opted out of the 2026 competition in protest of Israel's participation. The Netherlands, through its public broadcaster AvroTros, has also confirmed it will boycott the 2027 contest.
RTE indicated it would not only abstain from competing but also refrain from broadcasting the event, which is scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, following their first-ever win in May.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green acknowledged RTE's decision, stating that the European Broadcasting Union, the event's organizer, regretted but respected the choice. "They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed," Green was quoted as saying by RTE.
Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, though calls for its exclusion have intensified due to its military operations in Gaza. The contest, founded in 1956 to foster unity in post-World War II Europe, pits acts from numerous countries against each other for a musical title.
Recent Eurovision contests, including those in Malmo, Sweden (2024), Basel, Switzerland (2025), and Vienna (2026), have seen pro-Palestinian protests and increased security measures.
Ireland's boycott decision occurs amidst a broader controversy involving singer Ed Sheeran, who dropped opener Macklemore from his tour after the rapper delivered a speech in support of Palestinians. This led to backlash against Sheeran, with some Irish radio stations announcing they would no longer play his music. Several other artists, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Irish bands Beoga, also withdrew from Sheeran's tour, citing solidarity with Palestine.
Sheeran defended his stance in a statement, emphasizing his commitment to unity and stating he does not use his professional platform for politics, especially given his audience includes children. He expressed respect for Macklemore's activism but noted differing approaches to advocating for peace.