Entertainment · Music · 1 hr ago
Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over Israel’s participation
The Netherlands will not compete in Eurovision 2027, its public broadcaster NPO said on Tuesday.
NPO cited divisions over Israel’s participation amid the debate surrounding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The decision reverses NPO’s move last month to take responsibility for the Dutch entry after broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew in August.
NPO said it could not find a suitable way to take part, but the contest will still air in the Netherlands.
Ireland has also said it will not take part in 2027, while the Czech broadcaster withdrew for spending reasons.
The contest is scheduled for May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria, which will host it for the first time.
Eurovision organisers said they respect the Dutch decision and hope to welcome a Dutch entry again when the time is right.
The Netherlands will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, reversing its decision to return.
Public broadcaster NPO said on October 27 that sensitivities surrounding Israel’s participation led it to withdraw.
NPO said it could not secure sufficient support among broadcasters to send a Dutch artist.
The Netherlands had boycotted the 2026 contest, along with Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, over Israel’s participation.
The 2027 contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 15.
- Who
- The Netherlands, represented by public broadcaster NPO.
- What
- NPO withdrew from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
- When
- October 27, 2026.
- Where
- NPO announced the withdrawal. The contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Why
- NPO cited sensitivities surrounding Israel’s participation and said it could not secure sufficient broadcaster support for a Dutch entry.
NPO
Eurovision organisers
Reason for the decision
NPO
NPO said sensitivities around Israel’s participation and divisions in society made it too early for the Netherlands to take part.
Eurovision organisers
EBU director Martin Green said the organisation understood and respected the strength of feeling behind the Dutch decision.
Role of the contest
NPO
NPO decided to step back from participation in 2027.
Eurovision organisers
Green said the contest brings people together through music and shared experience.
AVROTROS withdrew, saying the event could no longer be considered neutral given divisions over the Gaza war.
NPO announced it would take responsibility for the Dutch participation and return to the contest.
NPO reversed its decision and said the Netherlands would not participate in 2027.
The contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Decision date
- October 27, 2026
- Dutch broadcaster
- NPO
- Contest year
- 2027
- Host city
- Burgas, Bulgaria
- Scheduled date
- May 15, 2027
- 2026 boycotting countries
- Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia
11 sources
The Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 due to Israel 'sensitivities'
Eurovision issue an apology as Netherlands withdraw from contest for second year
ESC: Niederlande boykottieren Eurovision Song Contest wegen Israels Teilnahme
After pushback, the Dutch reverse course and withdraw from Eurovision again
Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision over Israel ‘sensitivities’
Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision over Isreal's participation
Netherlands makes U-turn over Eurovision 2027 participation
In reversal, Holland pulls out of Eurovision citing ‘sensitivities’ over Israel
Cornald Maas over ontbreken Nederland op Songfestival: 'Onvermijdelijk besluit'
NPO zet alsnog streep door Nederlandse deelname Eurovisie Songfestival
What people are saying
We initially felt there was sufficient support to return.
Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this.
As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.