Irish broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed that Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, which is scheduled to be held in Bulgaria. The decision means Ireland, a seven-time winner of the competition, will miss the event for the second consecutive year.

In a statement, RTÉ said its position on Eurovision participation remains unchanged from the previous year. The broadcaster said Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of many civilians at risk.

RTÉ also said it remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access for international journalists to the territory. It will not broadcast the competition.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, responded to the decision. He said the organisers regret that RTÉ will not be participating in 2027 but fully respect the decision. He acknowledged Ireland's huge contribution to the contest and said RTÉ remains a valued part of the Eurovision family.

Green noted that broadcasters decide on an annual basis whether to participate in the following year's contest. He said the Eurovision Song Contest is at its best when broadcasters and artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and create connections between audiences. He said that power to bring people together is even more important in an increasingly divided world, and the organisers will remain in dialogue with RTÉ and hope to welcome Ireland back in the future.

The 2027 contest will be hosted by Bulgaria. Ireland previously did not take part in the 2026 competition.