RTÉ clarifies country will not send delegates or broadcast event as European opposition mounts
Ireland has confirmed it will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with RTÉ clarifying the country will neither send delegates nor broadcast the event in protest against Israel’s participation.
The decision follows yesterday’s European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Winter General Assembly in Geneva, where organizers confirmed Israel would be permitted to compete in next year’s contest as usual.
Ireland joins a growing boycott movement, with Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands also expected to withdraw from the competition. Multiple European countries, including Ireland, had previously expressed opposition to Israel’s inclusion in the event.
The boycott reflects mounting international pressure over Israel’s actions, with participating broadcasters facing domestic criticism for supporting an event that includes Israel. The Eurovision controversy mirrors broader debates about cultural and sporting boycotts as tools of political protest.
RTÉ’s decision not to broadcast the contest represents a significant departure from tradition, as Eurovision has historically been enormously popular in Ireland. The country has won the competition seven times—more than any other nation—and hosted the event on multiple occasions.
The European Broadcasting Union has maintained that Eurovision is a non-political entertainment event and that Israel’s participation complies with competition rules. However, critics argue that allowing Israel’s participation while its government faces international condemnation normalizes controversial policies.
Previous calls for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision have intensified, with advocacy groups, artists, and politicians across Europe urging broadcasters to take a stand. Ireland’s decision to boycott rather than simply abstaining from voting represents a more forceful position.
The boycott raises questions about Eurovision’s future as a pan-European cultural event if multiple major participants withdraw. Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia joining Ireland would represent a significant loss of prominent Eurovision nations.
RTÉ has not announced whether it will reconsider participation if circumstances change or if the EBU alters its position on Israel’s involvement. The broadcaster faces the challenge of balancing domestic public opinion, international solidarity concerns, and Ireland’s strong Eurovision heritage.
The decision also affects Irish artists who might have sought to represent the country, denying them the platform Eurovision provides for career advancement and international exposure.
Ireland’s boycott adds to the country’s recent positioning on international issues, including its recognition of Palestinian statehood and vocal criticism of Israeli government policies. The Eurovision withdrawal aligns with this broader foreign policy stance.
Other countries may announce similar boycotts in coming weeks as the contest approaches, potentially creating the most significant participation crisis in Eurovision’s history.