The Netherlands will not compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. In a significant reversal, public broadcaster NPO has withdrawn its plans to send an artist, citing a lack of internal support amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel's involvement in the competition.
The decision follows a period of notable turmoil within the Dutch public broadcasting system. NPO had initially announced it would coordinate a national entry after AVROTROS, the broadcaster that traditionally manages the Dutch delegation, withdrew for the second consecutive year over the issue.
Internal Pressure Forces a Change of Heart
In a statement, NPO board chair Jet de Ranitz acknowledged that while they initially believed there was enough support for a joint public broadcast entry, they were ultimately unable to find a "suitable form" for it. "Due to the sensitivities surrounding the current themes, we have decided to take a step back for now," she said, confirming the withdrawal.
The core of this "sensitivity" is Israel's participation while the war in Gaza continues. The NPO's initial plan to override AVROTROS's boycott was met with fierce internal resistance. In a decisive move, over 400 NPO employees signed a letter protesting the decision, demanding clarity and condemning participation alongside Israel under the current circumstances.
AVROTROS had previously justified its own withdrawal by stating that the event is "no longer neutral" while one of the participating countries is involved in a large-scale military conflict.
European Context and EBU Reaction
The Netherlands is not the only country to pull out over the conflict. Ireland's public broadcaster, RTÉ, also confirmed it would not participate in 2027, explicitly citing the "shocking and ongoing loss of human life in Gaza." In a step further than the Dutch, RTÉ will not broadcast the contest at all.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, stated that it regrets the NPO's decision but respects it. The organization acknowledged the existence of "deeply held and sincere opinions" but maintained its view that the festival "provides unity in a divided world." The EBU noted it looks forward to welcoming a Dutch entry back when the NPO and its members feel the time is right.
What This Means for Dutch Fans
While there will be no Dutch artist on the stage in Burgas, Bulgaria, next year, fans in the Netherlands will still be able to watch the show. NOS, which has a legal mandate to broadcast major international events, will air the semi-finals and the grand final, complete with Dutch commentary.
The NPO has indicated it will remain in dialogue with the EBU about the future of the song contest and the Netherlands' role in it.
