Ireland withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over Gaza conflict

Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, its national broadcaster RTÉ has announced. The contest will be held in Bulgaria in May 2027. RTÉ said the decision was because of the continuing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there. The broadcaster also raised concerns about journalists being killed in Gaza and the lack of independent media access to the territory. This is the second year in a row that Ireland has pulled out of Eurovision. The Netherlands has also withdrawn from the 2027 contest for similar reasons. Last year, five countries refused to take part, including Ireland and the Netherlands. Israel has competed in Eurovision since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, which has caused growing controversy across Europe.