Ireland Withdraws from Eurovision 2027 Over Israel's Participation

Ireland has announced it will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, citing protests against Israel's involvement. The Irish national broadcaster, RTE, confirmed the decision on Thursday, September 17, stating its position remains unchanged due to the "humanitarian crisis and loss of life in Gaza." RTE also expressed concern over Israel's refusal to grant journalists free access to the Gaza Strip. Ireland is the first country to definitively declare a boycott for the 2027 contest.

While the Dutch public broadcaster had also indicated non-participation, its decision requires further approval. Several other nations, including Belgium, Hungary, Iceland, and Slovenia, had not yet confirmed their participation to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as of the article's publication.

The 2027 Eurovision contest will be hosted by Bulgaria, the winner of the 2026 competition. The Bulgarian authorities announced on August 13 that the contest would be held in Burgas, which was chosen over the capital, Sofia. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 11 and May 13, with the final on May 15. Given these dates, Israel is expected to compete in the second semi-final, as the preceding general rehearsal falls on Israel's Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.

Israel, represented by Noam Bittan with the song "Michelle," secured second place in the 2026 contest. Earlier, on August 12, the EBU reportedly amended its rules to ensure Israel could host the contest if it won, and also raised the minimum age for participants to 18.