Ireland Eurovision Boycott
RTÉ Confirms Ireland Will Skip the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest Over Gaza Crisis
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Key Points
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Ireland was one of five countries that opted out of the 2026 contest, alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain.
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Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said RTÉ remains a valued member of the Eurovision “family” and that its contribution would be missed.
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Green defended the contest’s role as a forum where broadcasters and artists come together to share music and build connections, saying its ability to bring people together is especially important in a divided world.
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The Eurovision broadcaster decision is made annually, with each participating broadcaster deciding whether to enter the following year’s contest; the organizers said they would remain in dialogue with RTÉ.
Ireland's state broadcaster RTÉ confirmed it will skip the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns about press freedom. This marks the second straight year Ireland has withdrawn from the competition, BBC reported.
RTÉ also pulled out of 2026's Vienna contest after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel's broadcaster Kan to participate. Eurovision organizers said they respect the decision and hope Ireland returns in the future, BBC stated.
Five Countries Joined Ireland's 2026 Boycott
Ireland was not alone in withdrawing from the 2026 contest. Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain also opted out, according to BBC. Each broadcaster makes its participation decision annually, Eurovision organizers explained.
Eurovision Director Defends Contest's Unifying Role
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said RTÉ remains a valued member of the Eurovision "family" and its absence will be missed, BBC reported. Green defended the contest as a forum where broadcasters and artists share music and build connections across borders.
He emphasized that Eurovision's ability to bring people together is especially important in a divided world. Organizers said they will remain in dialogue with RTÉ about future participation, BBC added.
Gaza Crisis and Press Freedom Drive RTÉ Decision
RTÉ cited two main reasons for its withdrawal: the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and humanitarian suffering there, plus concerns about the denial of independent access to international journalists in the region. The broadcaster has taken a principled stance on media freedom alongside its humanitarian concerns.
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