In 2026, Ireland was one of 5 countries that decided to withdraw from the contest, together with Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia.
Earlier today, the Irish broadcaster RTÉ stated it won’t participate in Eurovision 2027 and won’t broadcast the contest.
In their statement, the national broadcaster adds that the reason for their withdrawal is Israel’s participation in the contest, as well as what they define as continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the Gaza strip.
Martin Green‘s statement about RTÉ’s decision:
“The European Broadcasting Union regrets that RTÉ will not participate in Eurovision 2027, but we fully respect its decision. We recognise the enormous contribution they have made to the contest and will miss them, as they remain a much-valued member of the Eurovision family. Eurovision is at its best when broadcasters and artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and build connections between audiences. That ability to bring people together is at the heart of what makes the contest so special and is even more important in an increasingly difficult and divided world.All broadcasters decide each year whether they will participate in the following edition and we will remain in dialogue with RTÉ, whom we hope to welcome back in the future.”
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria on May 11th, 13th, 15th, 2027
