In a statement, Irish public broadcaster RT\u00c9 confirms that it will not participate in Eurovision next year, and that it will not broadcast the Contest either.<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9\u2019s statement \u2013 \u201cIreland\u2019s participation cannot be justified\u201d <\/p>\n
RT\u00c9 issued the following statement on their participation:<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9 is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RT\u00c9 will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RT\u00c9 broadcast the competition.<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9 feels that Ireland\u2019s 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. RT\u00c9 also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory.<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9\u2019s statement on ESC 2027 participation, 17th September 2026 <\/p>\n
The statement strongly ressembles the one published in December 2025<\/a>, following the EBU\u2019s General Assembly, in which RT\u00c9 first withdrew from the 2026 Contest, using the two same arguments, which can be summarised as such:<\/p>\n the humanitarian argument, pointing out the death of many civilians in Gaza due to Israel\u2019s military actions in the region the press freedom argument, pointing out \u201cthe continued denial of independent access to international journalists\u201d to Gaza, an argument stemming from the public service missions of EBU members <\/p>\n Both arguments were used by other withdrawing broadcasters, such as AVROTROS in the Netherlands, or RTV SLO in Slovenia, alongside accusations of disproportionate influence on the public vote by the Israeli government. <\/p>\n Back in May<\/a>, RT\u00c9\u2019s Director General Kevin Bakhurst had also confirmed that there was no reason for the broadcaster to revert their boycott. <\/p>\n This will mark Ireland\u2019s second non-participation in a row, the first time ever for the country.<\/p>\n How do you feel about RT\u00c9\u2019s decision? When do you think will the country return to the Contest? Do you expect other broadcasters to maintain their boycott, or return? Tell us more in the comments below or on socials!<\/p>\n Be sure to stay updated by following\u00a0@ESCXTRA on Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0@escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky<\/a>,\u00a0@escxtra on Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0@escxtra on TikTok<\/a>\u00a0and liking our\u00a0Facebook page<\/a>\u00a0for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us\u00a0on Spotify<\/a>\u00a0for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.<\/p>\n Copy URL URL Copied <\/p>\n