36 Countries to Compete in Eurovision 2027 as Ireland and Netherlands Boycott Over Israel
A total of 36 countries are expected to compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, with Canada set to make its debut and North Macedonia returning after a five-year absence. Organisers announced on Wednesday that the 71st edition will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May. The lineup includes host country Bulgaria, along with France, Britain, Ukraine and Australia, making it one participant larger than the 2026 contest.
Ireland and the Netherlands have confirmed they will not participate, citing Israel’s inclusion in the competition amid the ongoing controversy surrounding its military offensive in Gaza. Both countries had also boycotted the 2026 contest, alongside Spain, Slovenia and Iceland, over calls for Israel to be excluded. Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, has confirmed its participation in 2027, while Spain and Slovenia are expected to make their decisions by December. Iceland has yet to reach a final decision, although its public broadcaster has indicated that participation is unlikely.
Eurovision organisers have defended the contest’s role in bringing people together across national and cultural boundaries through music. Martin Green, the competition’s director, said its ability to unite audiences was particularly important in an increasingly divided world. The 2026 contest attracted an estimated global audience of 130 million viewers, highlighting its international reach despite the political tensions surrounding Israel’s participation.
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