RTE, Ireland’s national public service broadcaster, confirmed on Thursday that the country will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The decision follows the same stance taken for the 2026 edition, when Ireland joined a small group of nations in protest of Israel’s participation amid the conflict in Gaza.
Humanitarian concerns drive the boycott
In a statement, RTE said the ongoing loss of life and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza make any Irish involvement in the competition unjustifiable. “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,” the broadcaster wrote.
The contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, after the city’s host nation won the 2026 competition. RTE also announced it will not broadcast the event, meaning Irish viewers will have no official coverage of the show.
Other nations also abstaining
In 2026, Ireland was one of five countries that declined to send an entry, joining Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. The Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS reiterated its intention to boycott the 2027 contest as well.
Eurovision director Martin Green, speaking on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said the organization respects RTE’s decision, even as it regrets the loss of a valued member of the Eurovision family. “They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed,” Green was quoted as saying.
Political and cultural implications
The boycott underscores how cultural events can become flashpoints for international policy debates. While Eurovision traditionally promotes unity through music, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has prompted several broadcasters to weigh moral considerations against the desire for cultural participation.
Critics of the boycott argue that cultural exchange should remain separate from geopolitical disputes, suggesting that music can serve as a bridge for dialogue. Supporters, however, contend that participation would implicitly endorse a nation whose actions are causing civilian casualties, and that a public broadcaster has a responsibility to reflect the values of its audience.
What this means for Irish viewers
Irish audiences will not see the live Eurovision broadcast on RTE’s channels or streaming platforms. The broadcaster has not indicated whether it will provide any alternative coverage, such as news updates or highlights, through its news division.
As the contest approaches, the EBU will continue to work with participating broadcasters to ensure a smooth production in Burgas. The organization has not indicated any further withdrawals beyond those already announced.
International response
Israel’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Ireland’s decision. The broader international community remains divided, with some governments and NGOs calling for cultural boycotts, while others emphasize the importance of keeping cultural events apolitical.
RTE’s stance reflects a growing trend among European public broadcasters to align their programming choices with humanitarian concerns, a pattern that may influence future decisions regarding other international events.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
