Ireland, the Netherlands and Iceland are again boycotting the 2027 competition but Spain and Slovenia “have not yet decided” whether they will compete, the EBU said. The Union has given both broadcasters until December to confirm their participation “in recognition of the complexity of the matter.”
The song contest has been embroiled in controversy in recent years over Israel’s participation. The EBU changed its rules earlier this year to block countries involved in armed conflict or any other “sensitive geopolitical situation” from hosting the annual competition, after Israel almost won in 2025 and 2026. The winning country typically hosts the following year’s event.
Canada is a new addition to the contest for 2027, while North Macedonia will return after a four-year absence. Czechia will not take part in next year’s contest for financial reasons.
