The Netherlands has officially confirmed it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The Dutch public broadcaster, NPO, announced the decision on Tuesday, reversing a commitment made just last month to return to the competition. According to avrotros, It would also not take part next year, but NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the country, stepped in and pledged last month that the country would return in 2027. After Dutch network Avrotros pulled out, the Netherlands and four other countries boycotted this year’s event.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman explained that Israel’s continued involvement in the contest remains a source of significant societal friction. He stated that the participation of Israel generates varied public reactions, contributing to ongoing discussion and division within the Netherlands. Consequently, the broadcaster decided it was necessary to forgo the 2027 event.
Jet de Ranitz, chair of the NPO, noted that the organization engaged in extensive internal discussions regarding a potential return. While they initially identified sufficient support, they ultimately concluded that finding a viable format for participation proved impossible. De Ranitz emphasized that it is currently too early for the country to rejoin, noting that the sensitivities surrounding the event’s current themes necessitated a step back. We were unable to find a suitable format for this, unfortunately.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed regret over the Dutch withdrawal but confirmed that organizers respect the strength of the feelings behind the decision. He acknowledged that perspectives on the competition differ sharply both within and between participating nations. Despite these tensions, Green maintained that the contest remains a vital platform for fostering unity through music and shared experience. Both within countries and between them”, adding: “We do not dismiss any of those views, green added that organisers recognise that opinions about the contest “differ widely. And we are committed to protecting it, that spirit of unity is what the contest has always stood for. According to green, They looked forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when they “feel the time is right”.
The 2026 contest saw a widespread boycott by the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, prompted by criticisms of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the Middle East. Claude Kiambe served as the last Dutch entrant during the 2025 competition.
The impact of these ongoing protests is rippling through the 2027 cycle as well. In addition to the Dutch withdrawal, Ireland has confirmed it will not participate. Furthermore, the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has signaled strong support for a boycott.
Separate from the geopolitical concerns, the Czech Republic has also withdrawn from the upcoming competition, citing internal budget constraints and the need for significant spending cuts.
In response to mounting criticisms, Eurovision organizers have implemented structural changes to mitigate future divisions. These include new regulations that prohibit any country involved in an active armed conflict from hosting the competition, alongside modifications to the voting system.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place on May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria. The host city was selected following the victory of artist Dara in Vienna this year with the track Bangaranga.
