Czechia withdraws from Eurovision Song Contest 2027 citing budget pressures

Published on 07/10/2026 - 10:44 GMT+2

Czechia will not take part in the upcoming 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas after its public broadcaster decided to withdraw, citing ongoing budget adjustments.

"In light of the ongoing budget adjustments, Czech Television has decided not to participate in the 2027 edition," the broadcaster announced on Tuesday.

"We assess each edition of the competition separately, and therefore do not want to speculate at this point about when Czech Television will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest again," the statement said.

"We know that Eurovision means a lot to all of us." The broadcaster said on X: "That's why we thank all the Czech representatives and, above all, you, the fans, for every vote, every comment, every cheer, and for being there with us."

Czechia's withdrawal comes as Eurovision faces growing pressure and controversy over Israel's participation in the contest. Five countries - Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain - withdrew from the 2026 contest over the issue.

Ireland has already confirmed it will boycott Eurovision for a second year in 2027, citing the "appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza".

Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ also said that they remain "deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory".

Spain is also considering extending its boycott. RTVE president José Pablo López said that he would recommend that Spain remain out of the 2027 contest, saying it was “deeply painful” that Israel’s public broadcaster would remain eligible to compete "despite everything, and given this situation that is still being experienced in Gaza." A final decision has not been made by RTVE yet.

Czech Television has not linked its decision to the controversy surrounding Israel's participation.

Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held at the Arena Burgas in Burgas, Bulgaria.