Netherlands Withdraws From Eurovision 2027 Over Israel's Participation
The Dutch broadcasting association NPO said on Tuesday that it is reversing its decision to take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The reasons are public discontent over Israel's participation and the fact that none of NPO's member broadcasters agreed to provide staff for the project.
The Netherlands will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. The Dutch public broadcasting association NPO announced on Tuesday that it was reconsidering the decision it had confirmed at the end of September. Israel continues to compete in the international song contest, and its presence has caused controversy in the Netherlands. The country also sat out the 2026 edition.
Criticism and internal objections
The decision to return drew widespread criticism. The ombudsman received dozens of complaints, and about 400 NPO employees signed a letter urging the organisation to reconsider. NPO had justified the return by saying that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, had responded to criticism from countries that declined to take part in 2026.
Lack of support for organising entry
NPO had planned to organise the Dutch entry through an independent team of outside experts and invited broadcasters to make an organisational contribution. However, none of the broadcasters that belong to NPO agreed to make their staff available for the project, leaving the association without enough support to arrange the country's participation.
NPO acknowledged that Israel's participation continues to cause disputes and conflict, both in society and between broadcasters and their employees. The association nonetheless still plans to broadcast the contest.
Background
Ireland had earlier announced that it would not take part in Eurovision 2027. In 2026, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia boycotted the contest because of Israel's participation.
