Photo: Michael Doherty / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Netherlands Broadcaster Confirms 2027 Withdrawal
The Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest following an official announcement from its public broadcaster, NPO. Broadcaster officials pointed to societal division and sensitivities regarding Israel's involvement in the event as the main reason behind the decision.
Jurre Bosman, the media director at NPO, stated that Israel's participation has sparked debate and division within society. Following discussions with the board of broadcasters, NPO concluded that skipping the 2027 competition was necessary. Despite withdrawing from competition, executive chairman Jet de Ranitz confirmed that NPO will still air the contest on Dutch public television channels.
Shift in Dutch Broadcasting Responsibility
The announcement follows earlier organizational shifts within Dutch broadcasting. Broadcaster AVROTROS, which traditionally selects entries and broadcasts the event, initiated a boycott in August after declaring the contest was no longer neutral. NPO initially stepped in to assume responsibility for the Dutch entry before reversing course.
The Netherlands also boycotted the 2026 contest, making 2027 the second consecutive year of non-participation. Several other European nations have also taken similar steps or altered their involvement:
- Ireland: Confirmed it will refrain from competing in next year's event for the second year in a row.
- Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland: Pulled out of the 2026 event, with Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland refusing to broadcast that edition.
- Czechia: The Czech broadcaster opted out of next year's competition citing spending cuts.
Host City and Contest History
Organizers introduced rules in August stating that nations experiencing armed conflicts or sensitive geopolitical situations that affect security would be prohibited from hosting. The upcoming edition is scheduled to be held in the Black Sea city of Burgas, marking the first time Bulgaria will host Eurovision. Hosting rights were secured after Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won this year's contest in Vienna, Austria, with the song 'Bangaranga'.
Established in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has expanded into the world's largest live televised music event. Over its history, the competition has helped launch the global careers of major musical acts, including Swedish icons ABBA, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John.
Source: The Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 due to Israel ‘sensitivities’