Netherlands Pulls Out of Eurovision 2027 in Burgas Over Israel Dispute

The Netherlands will not compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest because of public controversy over Israel’s participation, Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced.

The decision adds another country to the list of Eurovision boycotters opposing Israel’s participation in the contest over its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

NPO media director Jurre Bosman said the broadcaster had recognized for some time that Israel’s presence provoked sharply differing reactions in Dutch society. “We have known for some time that Israel's participation elicits varied reactions within society, sparking debate and division. Therefore, following consultations with the Council of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided not to participate in 2027,” Bosman said, as quoted by AFP.

The announcement resolves months of uncertainty over whether the Netherlands would take part, a debate that underscored the extent of public division over the issue.

In August, broadcaster AVROTROS, which chooses the Dutch contestant and broadcasts Eurovision, declared that it would withdraw, arguing that disagreements over the war in Gaza meant the event “can no longer be considered neutral.”

The following month, NPO said it would assume responsibility for the Dutch entry instead of AVROTROS. However, the broadcaster reversed that decision on October 27.

NPO Board Chair Jet de Ranitz recognized that the withdrawal would disappoint many Eurovision fans in the Netherlands, while stressing that public television channels would continue to air the competition.

“We must acknowledge that, at this moment, it is still too early for us to participate in Eurovision 2027. Given the sensitivity of the issues currently sparking public controversy, we have decided to take a step back for the time being,” De Ranitz said.

In August, Eurovision organizers announced that countries involved in armed conflicts would be barred from hosting the contest.

The announcement did not stop other countries from withdrawing. Ireland has already confirmed it will not participate, while the head of Spain’s public broadcaster has also backed the idea of a boycott.

Earlier this month, the Czech public broadcaster also pulled out, citing budget cuts.