Daniel Wolfram
Once again, the Eurovision is marred in controversy as the crisis in Gaza rages on.
Ireland is skipping the Eurovision song competition for a second year in a row.
National broadcaster RTÉ announced on Thursday that the country will neither compete in nor air the 2027 competition.
The network cited the ongoing crisis in Gaza as the reason.
Gaza is the reason
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk,” the broadcaster said in an official statement.
Organisers expressed regret over the decision. Eurovision director Martin Green noted that the European Broadcasting Union respected the choice, adding, “They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed,” as reported by RTÉ.
The withdrawal follows a multi-nation boycott during the 2026 Eurovision in Vienna. Back then, Ireland joined Spain, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands boycotting the contest. Dutch outlet AVROTROS confirmed it will also skip the 2027 edition.
The Netherlands joins Ireland
Ireland and the Netherlands cite Israel still being allowed in the competition as the other reason for boycotting the Eurovision again in 2027.
Taco Zimmerman, director of AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, which is in charge of the Netherlands’ bid for the song contest, says that the Israel-Gaza conflict is affecting the contest’s usual neutral character as long as Israel is involved.
“The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division,” Zimmerman said, according to the Irish news network extra.ie.
