Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over Israel participation concerns
publishers 35articles 35first reported 27 Oct, 09:39 UTCdeveloping since 27 Oct · 6 editions
The Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, reversing a decision announced last month to return, Dutch public broadcaster NPO said Tuesday.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation had prompted “discussion and division” in Dutch society and that, after consulting the country’s broadcasters, NPO had decided to forgo participation. NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organization initially believed there was enough support for a return but was unable to find a suitable arrangement for a Dutch entry.
The broadcaster AVROTROS, which previously selected the Dutch entrant and aired the competition, withdrew in August, saying Eurovision could “no longer be considered neutral” amid divisions over the war in Gaza. NPO then offered to assume responsibility for the 2027 entry before reversing course. NPO said it will still broadcast the contest in the Netherlands.
Eurovision director Martin Green said organizers were “deeply sorry” about the withdrawal but understood the decision and respected the strength of feeling in the Netherlands. He said the competition looked forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when NPO and its audiences felt the time was right.
The Netherlands also boycotted the 2026 competition alongside Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia over Israel’s participation. Ireland has already withdrawn from the 2027 event, while the Czech broadcaster has pulled out citing spending cuts.
Eurovision 2027 is scheduled for May 15 in Burgas, the first time Bulgaria will host the contest, following Bulgarian singer Dara’s victory in Vienna in 2026.
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