Ireland and Iceland have joined a growing list of countries boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest due to concerns over Israel's actions. The decision comes amid ongoing international debates about the conflict in the Middle East. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that Spain and Slovenia have until December to decide whether they will participate in the 2027 contest.
The EBU announced that Canada will compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, marking its debut. North Macedonia will also return to the competition, bringing the confirmed line-up to 36 participating nations. The boycott by Ireland and Iceland follows similar moves by the Netherlands and others. The EBU has not yet commented on the impact of the boycotts on the event’s format or participation rules.
The Eurovision Song Contest has faced increasing political scrutiny in recent years, with several countries withdrawing over issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This year’s contest, originally scheduled for May 2024, was postponed to May 2025 due to the war in Ukraine. The 2027 edition will be the first to take place in the Netherlands since 1980. The EBU has emphasized its commitment to neutrality and the principle of free expression, but the growing number of boycotts reflects the complex political landscape surrounding the event.
