Ireland will not compete at 2027 Eurovision

Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, public broadcaster RTÉ said, ERR reported. RTÉ said its position had not changed because of continuing deaths in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there. It also expressed deep concern about international journalists’ continued limited access to Gaza.

The decision means Ireland will miss Eurovision for a second consecutive year. In 2026, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia also decided to boycott the contest.

The European Broadcasting Union has introduced several changes in response to issues raised by broadcasters. These include restoring juries in the semi-finals, reducing the maximum number of votes allowed through a single voting method from 20 to 10, and tightening rules on advertising and campaigns by third parties.

The EBU also recently said broadcasters would no longer be able to host Eurovision if their country was involved in an armed conflict or linked to a sensitive geopolitical situation.

Eurovision executive producer Martin Green said the EBU regretted Ireland’s decision but respected RTÉ’s position. “They are an important member of our family and they will be missed,” Green said, adding that the EBU would continue its dialogue with RTÉ.

Ireland first participated in Eurovision in 1965 and shares the record for the most wins with Sweden, with seven victories each. Ireland is the only country to have won the contest three years in a row, in 1992, 1993 and 1994. Its most recent victory came in 1996.

The Netherlands has also announced plans to boycott the 2027 contest. The next Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria.