Irish broadcaster confirms Eurovision boycott for 2nd year in row

Ireland’s public broadcaster said Thursday it will boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, stressing that its position “remains unchanged.”

In a statement, RTE confirmed that it will boycott the song contest for the second year in a row, noting that it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will it broadcast the competition.

"RTE feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk," it noted.

The statement added: "RTE also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory."

RTE was among several European broadcasters that boycotted Eurovision 2026 after it was decided Israel could compete.