Dutch broadcaster reverses course on next year's Eurovision

Households in the Netherlands will not see a Dutch entry in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. The national public broadcaster, NPO, announced on Tuesday that it is pulling out of the 2027 competition. This decision reverses a pledge made last month that the country would return after a one-year absence.

Jurre Bosman, the media director at NPO, explained that Israel's continued presence in the contest has sparked widespread discussion and division within Dutch society. The broadcaster determined that these sensitivities made it too early to rejoin the event. This move aligns with the stance of four other nations, including Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, who also skipped the 2026 contest over concerns regarding Israel's military actions in the Middle East.

The withdrawal follows a period of uncertainty for Dutch fans. In May, the commercial network Avrotros, which usually handles the entry, pulled out of the 2026 show. At that time, NPO stepped in with a promise to restore Dutch participation for 2027. However, after holding discussions with various broadcasters, NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organization could not find a suitable format for a return. De Ranitz stated that the timing is currently wrong due to the themes at play, prompting the decision to step back for the time being.

Despite the absence of a competing entry, the contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands. NPO acknowledged that some fans may be disappointed by the change of plans. The broadcaster aims to balance its role in representing the country with the current mood of the public.

Martin Green, the director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed regret over the decision. He described the organization as being deeply sorry but respectful of the strength of feeling behind the Dutch choice. Green noted that opinions on the contest differ widely across Europe. He maintained that the event remains a key moment for unity and creativity in a divided world, and organizers are committed to protecting that spirit.

Organizers have introduced changes to address recent divisions, including rules to exclude countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting duties. Voting procedures have also been adjusted. The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria. The location was secured after the country won the competition in Vienna this year with the dance track Bangaranga by Dara.

Other European broadcasters are also weighing their options for next year. Ireland has confirmed it will not participate in 2027. The head of the Spanish public broadcaster has voiced support for a boycott. Meanwhile, the Czech public broadcaster has withdrawn, but it cited budget cuts rather than political sensitivities as the primary reason for its decision.