The Netherlands will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, public broadcaster NPO has confirmed. It cited “sensitivities” linked to Israel’s participation in the competition.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman said in a statement that the broadcaster had long known Israel’s involvement drew varied reactions across Dutch society, sparking debate and division. After consulting the board of broadcasters, NPO decided to sit out the 2027 edition, he said.
AVROTROS boycott and NPO’s reversal on the Dutch entry
The decision follows an August move by AVROTROS, the broadcaster that usually selects the Dutch entry and airs the show, to boycott the contest. AVROTROS said the event could no longer be considered neutral.
NPO had stepped in last month, saying it would take responsibility for the Dutch entry. It reversed that position on Tuesday.
Jet de Ranitz, NPO’s executive chairman, acknowledged that the decision would disappoint fans. He stressed that the contest would still be broadcast on public channels. “Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being,” De Ranitz said.
Wider withdrawals and organisers’ hosting rule
The announcement comes after the Netherlands boycotted the 2026 edition. Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all pulled out, with the last three refusing to broadcast the show at all.
In August, the organisers said countries would be unable to host the competition if “an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.”
That rule has not stopped withdrawals. Ireland has already announced it will not take part in next year’s contest, its second consecutive year staying out. Earlier this month, the Czech broadcaster also pulled out of the 2027 event, but cited spending cuts as the reason.
Bulgaria to host Eurovision in Burgas
Bulgaria will host next year’s edition for the first time, in the Black Sea city of Burgas. The host role follows the win of Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, at this year’s contest in Vienna, Austria, with her song ‘Bangaranga’.
Since its first edition in 1956, Eurovision has grown into the world’s biggest live televised music event. It helped propel Swedish group ABBA to worldwide fame and boosted the careers of Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John.
