Ireland has announced its decision to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year due to Israel’s involvement, as confirmed by the country’s national broadcaster, RTE, on Thursday. RTE stated that they will not be sending a representative to the 2027 event in Bulgaria and will refrain from broadcasting the show, citing concerns over the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza as the primary reason.
Joining Ireland, five other countries, including the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain, also opted out of participating in this year’s Eurovision in protest against Israel’s participation in the continental music competition. AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, declared their intention to boycott the next year’s contest as well, describing Eurovision as a platform that fosters division.
AVROTROS justified its decision by stating that the Eurovision Song Contest can no longer be viewed as a neutral event, especially with a participating nation embroiled in a significant military conflict. The upcoming competition is scheduled to be held in May in the Black Sea resort of Burgas, Bulgaria.