The Netherlands is officially out of the next Eurovision Song Contest.
In a decisive move that fractures the contest's famous "United by Music" slogan, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced it will not participate following the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel to compete. The withdrawal is a direct protest against the ongoing war in Gaza and what the broadcaster calls the politicization of the beloved cultural event.
For the massive queer fanbase in the Netherlands and across Europe, who view the contest as a beacon of inclusivity and celebration, the news marks a somber moment for an event meant to bring people together.
A Stand on Principle
The decision was finalized after a tense EBU meeting in Geneva where AVROTROS, alongside broadcasters from Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia, pushed for Israel's exclusion. They argued that the Israeli government used the last contest as a "political instrument" and that its actions in Gaza violate the fundamental values the contest should represent.
AVROTROS director Taco Zimmerman stated the decision was difficult but necessary. "Culture connects, but not at any cost," he said. "What has happened over the past year touches our core values. Universal values such as humanity and a free press have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable for us."
A Growing Boycott
The Netherlands is not taking this stand alone. The withdrawal is part of a growing coalition of countries choosing to sit out the competition in Vienna:
- Spain: Broadcaster RTVE, one of the "Big Five" major funders, has also pulled out.
- Ireland: The seven-time Eurovision champion will not be participating.
- Slovenia: Has also confirmed it will not attend.
- Iceland & Belgium: Are still weighing their options and will announce their decisions at a later date.
A Divided EBU
Despite the pressure, the EBU confirmed Israel's participation without holding a formal vote. The boycott proposal faced strong opposition from several members, including host country Austria and Germany, who both cited their national histories as reasons why excluding Israel was, in their view, unthinkable.
While the EBU avoided the central conflict, it did approve new rules to limit voting manipulation, reducing the maximum televotes per person from 20 to 10. For the boycotting nations, however, this administrative tweak fails to address the larger ethical crisis.
Dutch fans will still be able to watch the show, as the NPO has confirmed it will broadcast the semi-finals and grand final. But without a home-grown act to root for, the celebration will undoubtedly feel different, overshadowed by a political reality the music could not unite.
