Ireland has withdrawn from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation, becoming the second country to boycott the 2027 music event following a similar decision by the Netherlands. According to a statement issued by Irish public broadcaster RTÉ on Thursday, the country’s participation cannot be justified given the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and a humanitarian crisis that continues to put civilian lives at risk.
RTÉ Cites Civilian Casualties and Press Access Concerns in Boycott Decision
The Irish public broadcaster manages the country’s selection and participation in the annual television music show. RTÉ stated that it remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access for international journalists to the territory. This withdrawal marks the second consecutive year that Ireland will neither participate in nor broadcast the competition.
The European Broadcasting Union organizes the event. Eurovision Director Martin Green stated on Thursday that organizers fully respect Ireland’s decision and noted that the country will be missed. Green added that the contest is at its best when broadcasters and artists from different countries come together to share music and create connections between audiences.
Comparison With the Dutch Boycott and Wider European Pushback
Ireland joins the Netherlands in boycotting the contest. Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS announced last month that it was withdrawing from the 2027 competition, stating that Eurovision could no longer be considered neutral given Israel’s participation in a large-scale military conflict in Gaza. AVROTROS noted that earlier Eurovision measures—such as an announcement that organizers would exclude any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting—were not sufficient.
Both Ireland and the Netherlands were among five nations that withdrew from the 2026 contest in Vienna. Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland also chose not to participate in that event, which ultimately drew 132 million viewers—34 million fewer than the 2025 edition.
Did you know? The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna faced significant public demonstrations, with thousands of protesters gathering outside the venue during the final in mid-May to oppose Israel’s participation.
Political Reactions and Debate Over EBU Rules
Political figures in Ireland welcomed the broadcaster’s stance. Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Culture, Communications and Sport, Joanna Byrne, told Al Jazeera that RTÉ’s choice was the correct and principled decision. Byrne criticized the European Broadcasting Union for applying a double standard, noting that Russia was banned following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Israel, as an aggressor nation just like Russia, should have been banned when they engaged in genocidal actions, just like Russia,” Byrne told Al Jazeera, characterizing Israel’s behavior as an apartheid state engaged in ethnic cleansing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ireland boycotting Eurovision?
RTÉ cited the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians, and the continued denial of independent access for international journalists.
Which other country has boycotted the contest?
The Netherlands became the first country to announce a boycott of the 2027 competition through its public broadcaster, AVROTROS.
How has the European Broadcasting Union responded?
Eurovision Director Martin Green stated that organizers fully respect Ireland’s decision and that the country’s artists and broadcasters will be missed.
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