RTÉ confirms it will not participate in or broadcast Eurovision 2027

RTÉ has issued a statement confirming their boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. They refuse to participate or air the contest in objection to Israel's continued participation despite the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

"RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified", the broadcaster stated, "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. RTÉ also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory."

Last November, a vote was held on whether to suspend Israel's participation in Eurovision. However, the absolute majority required to exclude the nation was not reached.

Amnesty International said the EBU showed "blatant double standards", as Russia has been barred from participating since its invasion of Ukraine.

Israel has been accused of tampering with voting results as well as using the contest for political goals such as propaganda. The latter would be a breach of Eurovision's intentions to remain a politically neutral cultural event.

Ireland also declined to participate in the 2026 contest. So did Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, for the same reason. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has also announced it will not air 2027's Eurovision Contest, however a different channel may take over the task.

Meanwhile, Canada will be participating for the first time.

In solidarity with Palestine, 2024 Eurovision winner Nemo promised to return their trophy. Ireland's own 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan followed the Swiss singer's lead.