What’s the status of all the Eurovision boycott nations?

Five countries boycotted Eurovision in 2026 over Israel’s continued participation. With Eurovision 2027 now taking shape, their positions are beginning to diverge.

Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all sat out this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

But with the 2027 Contest heading to Burgas, Bulgaria, the five countries are no longer moving together.

One is returning, another has confirmed it will stay away, while decisions are still being made elsewhere.

Here is where they all stand.

The Netherlands: Returning

The Netherlands will return to Eurovision in 2027, but broadcaster AVROTROS will not. After AVROTROS confirmed it did not intend to return, responsibility for Dutch participation went back to umbrella broadcaster NPO, which has now confirmed the country will compete in Burgas. NOS will be responsible for broadcasting the Contest.

Ireland: Staying out

Ireland will boycott Eurovision for a second consecutive year. RTÉ has confirmed it will neither participate in nor broadcast Eurovision 2027, saying: "Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there."

The broadcaster also said it remained deeply concerned about the continued denial of independent access to Gaza for international journalists.

Spain: Likely staying out

Spain has not made its final decision, but another year away looks increasingly possible. RTVE president José Pablo López has announced he will recommend to the broadcaster's Board that Spain remain out of Eurovision in 2027. The Board still needs to formally make that decision.

Slovenia: Unresolved

Slovenia has not confirmed a return to Eurovision. RTVSLO did not submit an intention to participate by the initial deadline and has denied reports it requested extra time to make a decision. However, the broadcaster says discussions with the EBU are continuing, with financial considerations among the factors affecting its decision.

Iceland: Undecided

Iceland is also yet to decide whether it will return. RÚV has not confirmed participation in Eurovision 2027, with the broadcaster's board yet to make a final decision. Icelandic reports have suggested that a decision may not come until later in the year.

So, for now, the five-country boycott of 2026 has become five different stories: the Netherlands is back, Ireland is staying out, Spain appears to be heading towards another absence, while Slovenia and Iceland remain unresolved.

More countries for 2027

And the Netherlands will not be the only addition to the Eurovision line-up in 2027.

Canada will make its Eurovision debut in Burgas, while North Macedonia has confirmed its return after last competing in 2022.

If all 35 countries that competed in 2026 return, the additions of Canada, North Macedonia and the Netherlands would already take the 2027 field to 38 countries. That would make it the first Eurovision to exceed 37 entries since 2022, when 40 countries competed.

Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the semi-finals on May 11 and 13 and the Grand Final on May 15.

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