Netherlands Withdraws from Eurovision 2027 Amidst 'Sensitivities' Over Israel's Participation

The Netherlands will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, as confirmed by its public broadcaster NPO. The decision was attributed to "sensitivities" surrounding Israel's involvement in the event.

Jurre Bosman, the NPO’s media director, stated, “We have known for some time that Israel’s participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division. Therefore, after consultation with the board of broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027.”

This announcement follows a previous decision in August by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which typically selects the Netherlands' entry and handles the broadcast. AVROTROS had stated that the competition could “no longer be considered neutral.” The NPO had initially stepped in last month to take responsibility for the Dutch entry but has now reversed that decision.

Jet de Ranitz, NPO’s executive chairman, acknowledged that the decision might disappoint fans but assured that the contest would still be aired 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 commented.

The Netherlands' withdrawal comes after its boycott of the 2026 edition, which also saw Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia pull out, with the latter three opting not to broadcast the show at all.

In August, Eurovision organizers announced a policy change: countries would be ineligible 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.” Despite this, other withdrawals have occurred, including Ireland, which has already declared it will not participate in next year’s contest for a second consecutive year.

Earlier this month, the Czech broadcaster also withdrew from next year’s event, citing budget cuts as the reason.

Bulgaria is set to host next year's Eurovision in the Black Sea city of Burgas, following Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, winning this year's contest in Vienna, Austria, with her song ‘Bangaranga’.

Since its inception in 1956, Eurovision has grown into the world's largest live televised music event, famously launching the careers of Swedish icons ABBA and boosting artists such as Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John.