From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Ireland boycotts Eurovision for second year over Gaza
Irish and Dutch broadcasters refuse to participate in 2027 contest, citing Israel's involvement and the humanitarian crisis.
In brief
Irish and Dutch broadcasters refuse to participate in 2027 contest, citing Israel's involvement and the humanitarian crisis. Ireland is pulling out of Eurovision again because it cannot justify participation while the Gaza conflict continues, joining the Netherlands in a second consecutive year of protest. Originally…
Ireland skips Eurovision again
RTÉ announced it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision song contest in Bulgaria, citing the ongoing killing in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza”
Five countries sat out this year
Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia all refused to compete in 2026 in protest against Israel's participation in the contest.
Netherlands joins the boycott
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros also announced it will not participate in 2027, calling Eurovision a platform for division while a country is involved in large-scale military conflict.
“can no longer be considered neutral, with a participating country still involved in a large-scale military conflict”
EBU tries new conflict rules
The European Broadcasting Union announced broadcasters can no longer host Eurovision if their state is involved in armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations, and reduced online voting power per person.
Gaza death toll continues rising
Palestinian authorities report over seventy-three thousand people killed in Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023. Since the ceasefire began in October 2025, thirteen hundred sixty-nine Palestinians have been killed.
Eurovision director hopes for return
Martin Green, Eurovision's director, said he respects RTÉ's decision but hopes Ireland will rejoin the contest in future, emphasizing the competition's power to bring people together.
“They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed”
In short
Ireland is pulling out of Eurovision again because it cannot justify participation while the Gaza conflict continues, joining the Netherlands in a second consecutive year of protest.
