Ireland has decided to abstain from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year due to Israel’s involvement, as confirmed by the country’s national broadcaster on Thursday. RTE announced that it will not field a contestant for the 2027 event in Bulgaria and will not air the show, citing concerns over the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza.

This move follows Ireland joining four other nations — the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain — in sitting out this year’s Eurovision in protest against Israel’s inclusion in the prestigious music competition. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS recently declared its boycott for next year’s edition, labeling Eurovision as a platform that fosters division.

AVROTROS justified its decision by stating that the Eurovision Song Contest can no longer be viewed as impartial, given the participation of a country embroiled in a significant military conflict. The upcoming competition is scheduled to be held in May in the Bulgarian Black Sea resort town of Burgas.