Netherlands Withdraws From Eurovision 2027 Over Israel’s Participation
Netherlands abandons its planned Eurovision return after NPO fails to secure broadcaster support amid objections to Israel’s participation.
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The Netherlands has abandoned its planned return to Eurovision in 2027 after objections to Israel’s participation left NPO without a broadcaster willing to organize a Dutch entry.
The public broadcasting organization reversed its September decision to return following the country’s absence from the 2026 contest.
Broadcaster Support Falls Short
NPO announced the decision on October 27 after consultations with its member broadcasters. Initial backing for a return did not produce a workable arrangement.
Media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation had divided audiences, broadcasters and employees. Artists and staff would only be sent with the full backing of at least one broadcaster.
NPO could have assigned responsibility to NTR under its statutory programming role. Chair Jet de Ranitz said it would be irresponsible to compel a broadcaster to take on the entry given the divisions.
Contest Remains on Dutch Television
NOS will continue to broadcast the semifinals and final with Dutch commentary. NPO said discussions with the European Broadcasting Union over the contest’s future would continue.
Eurovision director Martin Green said the organizer respected the decision and the strength of feeling in the Netherlands.
“We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest,” Green said.
He said Dutch artists, audiences and broadcasters had helped shape the competition since its first edition in 1956. The organizer would remain in contact with NPO and Dutch fans about a future return.
Israel Dispute Derails Return
The reversal follows AVROTROS’s decision in August to withdraw from responsibility for the Dutch entry, citing concerns about the contest’s neutrality.
NPO subsequently sought another route to participation. Those efforts have now ended without a Dutch entrant for 2027.
Related coverage: Sweden and the Netherlands urge an EU-Israel trade freeze; Europe reassesses its ties with Israel over Gaza.
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