EBU responds to Ireland's withdrawal from Eurovision 2027 over the situation in Gaza
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has responded to the decision by Irish public broadcaster RTÉ to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027.
Eurovision Director Martin Green said that the EBU regrets RTÉ's decision, but fully respects it.
"We are sorry that RTÉ will not be taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, but fully respect their decision and recognize the enormous contribution they have made to the contest. They remain an important part of our family, and they will be missed," Eurovision.tv quoted M. Green as saying.
He emphasized that Eurovision realizes its potential when broadcasters and artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and build connections between audiences.
According to M. Green, it is precisely the contest's ability to bring people together that is one of its main features, especially in an "increasingly complex and divided world."
The Eurovision Director also noted that each broadcaster independently makes the decision about participating in next year's contest: "We will continue our dialogue with RTÉ and hope to welcome them back to the contest in the future."
Earlier, RTÉ announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027 over the situation in Gaza — the Irish broadcaster also said it would not broadcast the contest.
