Netherlands Re-Joins Eurovision for 2027 After Boycott Over Israel’s Participation
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Post By
Emmie
- September 24, 2026
The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 following a one-year boycott triggered by controversies surrounding Israel's involvement and the war in Gaza.
Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS originally pulled out of the 2026 event alongside broadcasters from Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia. AVROTROS maintained that the song contest could no longer be viewed as neutral and stated it would not return as long as Middle Eastern geopolitical conflicts overshadowed the event. When rule changes introduced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) failed to satisfy AVROTROS, the network handed management of the Dutch entry back to NPO, the umbrella organization overseeing the national public broadcasting system.
NPO confirmed it reached an agreement with the EBU after constructive discussions aimed at restoring the unifying nature of the contest.
"We understand that taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest gives rise to mixed feelings in the Netherlands," said Jet de Ranitz, Chair of the Board at NPO. "We have explicitly asked the EBU to make the unifying character of the contest a central part of the event once again, in recognition of a time of geopolitical unrest, war and polarisation."
She added: "We are seeking that connection again now, by taking account of what is happening in the world, but by making room for a conversation about it. To help shape and carry forward that direction, we as Dutch public broadcasting want to be part of the Eurovision Song Contest again. That way we can truly live up to ‘United by Music’ together."
Under new guidelines, the EBU has updated its rules regarding contest hosts. Moving forward, countries involved in an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation that affects safety will be automatically ineligible to host, even if their artist wins the competition. Additionally, the EBU is addressing persistent concerns over politically motivated voting.
To ensure impartiality, NPO is changing how the country manages its participation. The selection of the Dutch musical act will be handled by an independent team of experts coordinated by NPO. Meanwhile, news network NOS will handle preview shows and live commentary, completely separate from the team managing the contestant.
Jurre Bosman, NPO's director of media, highlighted the public role of the event:
"It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular…It also means we are responding to the wishes of hundreds of thousands of Dutch Eurovision fans, and that is ultimately what we are here for as a public broadcaster."
Eurovision director Martin Green welcomed the decision, stating: "We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands back to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027."
The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 14th in Burgas, following Bulgarian singer Dara's victory with her track Bangaranga.
