Ireland has decided to refrain from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for a second consecutive year due to Israel’s involvement, as announced by the country’s national broadcaster on Thursday. RTE stated that they will not be sending a representative to the 2027 event in Bulgaria and will also not air the competition, citing concerns over the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza.
In addition to Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain also opted out of the Eurovision this year in protest against Israel’s participation in the prestigious music competition. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS recently declared that they will join the boycott next year, criticizing Eurovision as a platform that fosters division.
AVROTROS justified their decision by stating that the Eurovision Song Contest can no longer be viewed as neutral, especially with a participating country embroiled in a significant military conflict. The upcoming edition of the competition is scheduled to be held in May in the Bulgarian Black Sea resort of Burgas.