Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over ‘Israel’s’ participation
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- The Netherlands will withdraw from Eurovision 2027, with Dutch public broadcaster NPO confirming the decision amid opposition to ‘Israel’s’ participation.
- The move follows AVROTROS’s boycott announcement over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and concerns about the contest’s neutrality.
The Netherlands will withdraw from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, after Dutch public broadcaster NPO confirmed the decision amid opposition to ‘Israel’s’ participation.
The announcement reverses earlier efforts to find a way for the country to compete despite concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the contest’s political neutrality.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced in August 2026 that it would boycott Eurovision 2027, citing the situation in Gaza and concerns about the competition’s impartiality.
Following the boycott announcement, NPO explored alternative arrangements that could allow the Netherlands to participate. However, internal opposition and threats from staff to walk out prevented an agreement from being reached.
The decision means the Netherlands will not take part in the 2027 competition, adding to the debate over ‘Israel’s’ participation in the international music event.
The Netherlands’ withdrawal comes amid wider criticism of Eurovision’s handling of ‘Israel’s’ participation during its war on Gaza.
Opposition to ‘Israel’s’ involvement has raised questions about the contest’s stated political neutrality and whether the competition should proceed amid the humanitarian crisis.
The Dutch decision marks a further setback for Eurovision organizers as broadcasters weigh participation against political and ethical concerns.
