Ireland to boycott 2027 Eurovision over Israel’s participation

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Published: 2026-09-17T13:50:45.309Z • Permanent link

RTE, Ireland's public broadcaster, announced on Thursday that the country will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, following in the footsteps of the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain. This decision comes after Israel's participation in the contest was confirmed, marking the second consecutive year that Ireland will abstain from the event. The move is seen as a response to Israel's ongoing occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which has been a contentious issue for many years.

Tensions between Israel and the European Union have been escalating in recent months, with several EU member states expressing their opposition to Israel's actions. In 2022, Ireland's then-minister for foreign affairs, Micheál Martin, announced that his country would not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation. The decision was widely seen as a symbolic gesture of protest, but it also sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in a seemingly apolitical event like Eurovision.

Ireland's decision to boycott Eurovision has been met with widespread support from the Irish public, with many taking to social media to express their outrage at Israel's actions. The Irish government has also been praised for its stance, with some commentators hailing it as a victory for free speech and cultural sensitivity.

Eurovision is not just a popular music competition; it is also a significant platform for promoting cultural exchange and understanding between European countries. The event attracts millions of viewers worldwide, and its contestants are often seen as ambassadors for their respective countries. However, with Israel's participation in the contest, the event has become a focal point for debate about politics and cultural sensitivity.

Several companies that produce Eurovision-related content, including streaming services and music labels, may be affected by Ireland's boycott. These companies have invested heavily in promoting the contest, and a loss of viewers from Ireland could have significant financial implications. Researchers who study the cultural impact of Eurovision may also be impacted, as Ireland's boycott could limit their access to data and insights on the event.

Market analysts predict that Ireland's boycott could lead to a decline in viewership for the contest, which could have far-reaching consequences for the music industry as a whole. With Eurovision being one of the most-watched music competitions in the world, a decline in viewership could have significant implications for the careers of contestants, as well as the music industry as a whole.