Ireland Boycotts Eurovision 2027 Over Israel's Participation and Gaza Crisis

General15 sourcesSep 17, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 47/100

The Story

Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, announced it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, citing Israel's participation and the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis.

This marks the second consecutive year that Ireland will not participate in the contest. The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros also announced its boycott of Eurovision 2027 last month, stating the competition can no longer be considered neutral, with a participating country still involved in a large-scale military conflict. RTÉ also expressed deep concern over the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory.

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the Grand Final on May 15. Bulgaria earned the right to host after DARA won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Ireland was one of five countries, along with Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia, that refused to take part in the 2026 competition in protest against Israel’s participation.

Eurovision director Martin Green stated he regretted but respected RTÉ’s decision, adding that they remain a valued part of their family and will be missed.

What they agree on

Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, announced it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
The boycott is in protest of Israel's participation and the ongoing loss of lives and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This marks the second consecutive year that Ireland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Netherlands' broadcaster, Avrotros, also announced its boycott of Eurovision 2027 last month.
The Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 is scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria.

Where they split

I24NEWS states that Ireland is the "First Country To Announce A Boycott Of Eurovision 2027," which contradicts other outlets like The Guardian and AP News that report the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros announced its boycott last month.
The Guardian and RTE News provide a direct quote from RTÉ's statement regarding the "appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza," while other outlets paraphrase the reason.
The National (Scotland) and IJR (Independent Journal Review) specifically mention RTÉ's concern about the "continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory."
Greek City Times focuses on the appointment of Greek professional Elias Kokotos as Show Supervisor for Eurovision 2027, a detail not covered by other outlets.