Ireland Withdraws from Eurovision 2027 Over Gaza Crisis
Ireland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, nor will it broadcast the event, the Irish public broadcaster RTÉ announced Thursday. This marks the second consecutive year the country will abstain from the competition.
RTÉ cited the ongoing civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as the reason for its decision, stating that its position on the contest has not changed. The broadcaster also expressed concern over the lack of independent access for international journalists to Gaza.
Ireland was among five countries that did not participate in Eurovision 2026, alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, due to Israel's participation in the contest. The Dutch broadcaster has also confirmed its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027.
The 2027 Eurovision contest is expected to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Bulgaria's victory in the 2026 competition. Eurovision executive Martin Österdahl expressed regret over Ireland's decision, emphasizing that the country remains a valued member of the Eurovision community.
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