Eurovision 2027: Ireland to boycott contest for second year in a row

Ireland will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, for the second year in a row, broadcaster RTE announced on Thursday, citing the continued loss of life in Gaza.

Ireland was one of five countries that skipped this year’s event in protest over Israel’s participation, along with Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain.

Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros announced last month that it would also boycott the contest in 2027.

“RTE believes Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the horrific and continued loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

RTE said it would neither take part in nor broadcast the contest in 2027.