Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over Israel's participation

Withdrawal after a promise to return

The Netherlands will not take part in Eurovision 2027: the country's public broadcaster NPO, which oversees Dutch public television, announced its withdrawal, citing the 'sensitivity' of Israel's participation. The decision reverses an earlier plan: in September, NPO promised that the country would return to the contest in 2027, even though Avrotros, which is part of it and had pulled out in 2026, had said it would not take part next year either. As BBC News reports, NPO media director Jurrie Bosman explained the withdrawal by saying that Israel's participation 'provokes different reactions in society and generates discussions and disagreements.'

Why the return fell through

NPO head Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had discussed participation next year with the broadcasters: 'at first it seemed there was enough support for a return,' but no suitable format could be found, and it was decided that it was 'too early for now' to take part in the 2027 contest. NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed, but the contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands. Eurovision director Martin Green said he 'deeply regrets' the withdrawal, but 'understands this decision and respects the strength of feeling behind it,' adding that the organisers await the return of a Dutch entry 'when they consider the time right.'

Context of boycotts and rule changes

In 2026, over Israel's participation — against the backdrop of criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East — the contest was boycotted by the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia. In 2027, besides the Netherlands, Ireland will not perform, the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has called for a boycott, and the Czech broadcaster has withdrawn, citing cost cuts — that is, not for political reasons. In response to the disagreements, the organisers announced a number of changes: a country involved in an armed conflict will be excluded from the list of possible hosts of the contest, and the voting system will be changed. The contest itself will take place on 15 May in Burgas (Bulgaria) — after Dara's victory in Vienna with the dance track Bangaranga.

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