Netherlands Reverses Decision and Pulls Out of Eurovision 2027

The Netherlands will not compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, reversing a decision announced just last month that promised the country's return to the international competition.

Dutch public broadcasting umbrella organization NPO confirmed it will sit out the upcoming contest in Burgas, Bulgaria. The move follows widespread internal pushback, including complaints to media ombudsmen and a letter signed by roughly 400 NPO employees urging leadership to reconsider after broadcaster AVROTROS declined to participate. An alternative plan to assemble an independent team of external experts collapsed when no individual member broadcasters agreed to supply staff for the project.

The Netherlands was one of five nations alongside Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia that boycotted the 2026 event in Vienna, Austria, over Israel's continued inclusion amid military actions in Gaza.

Explaining the sudden reversal, NPO Chairwoman Jet de Ranitz cited a lack of internal consensus and ongoing cultural sensitivities:

"In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this. As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being.”

NPO Media Director Jurre Bosman added that "Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", leading NPO to conclude it "has decided to forgo participation in 2027". He emphasized that the network would only submit an entry if supported by at least one member broadcaster.

Responding to the decision, Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green expressed regret over the absence of a founding member nation, while acknowledging the underlying public debate:

“We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.”

“The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the Contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it.”

“We recognise that opinions about the Contest are deeply and sincerely held at the moment, and that they differ widely, both within countries and between them. We do not dismiss any of those views. Public service media exist to serve their audiences, and it is right that our Members weigh these questions carefully, in dialogue with their own communities.”

“At the same time, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience. That spirit of unity is what the Contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it.”

“We are very happy that the 2027 Contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands and look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again whenever NPO, its members and audiences feel the time is right. We will keep talking with NPO and the Dutch fans who care so much about this event.”

Despite withdrawing its national contestant, Dutch broadcaster NOS will still air the 2027 contest in the Netherlands, complete with commentary and preview programming.

The 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas on May 11th, 13th, and 15th, 2027, following the 2026 victory of Bulgarian artist Dara with her electro-pop track Bangaranga.

The Dutch withdrawal comes amid broader roster shifts across participating nations. Ireland will also skip the 2027 event, while the head of Spain's public broadcaster has voiced support for a boycott. Meanwhile, the Czech public broadcaster has withdrawn citing financial budget cuts. In response to recent political friction, European Broadcasting Union organizers have introduced several procedural updates, including banning countries involved in active armed conflicts from hosting the event and altering voting mechanics.