Dutch say won't participate in 'no longer' neutral Eurovision
The broadcaster said geopolitical tensions and Gaza-related divisions have made the contest no longer neutral, and returned Dutch participation decisions to NPO.
- On Monday, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced the Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. Director-General Taco Zimmerman stated the event can "no longer be considered neutral" given divisions over the Gaza war.
- Recent changes by the EBU excluding countries involved in armed conflict failed to restore confidence in the contest's neutrality. The competition has recently faced a wave of boycotts over Israel's participation.
- The 2026 competition attracted 131 million viewers, a decline of 35 million from the previous year. Israel finished second in both 2025 and 2026, fueling scrutiny surrounding the event.
- Zimmerman called the decision "painful as we would have very much liked to be part of the Contest again next year." He added that as a public broadcaster, they remain committed to their values.
- Despite the withdrawal, the world's biggest live televised music event is scheduled for May 15 in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas. It marks the first time Bulgaria has hosted the competition.
163 Articles
163 Articles
Netherlands boycotts Eurovision for second year in a row amid changes to contest rules
Netherlands boycotts Eurovision for second year in a row amid changes to contest rules . The Netherlands has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest for a second consecutive year, with Dutch public service broadcaster Avrotros announcing on Monday that it will not take part in the 2027 edition
"The difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza and continued restrictions on media freedom have contributed to the growing divisions surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years," say Avrotros.
The Netherlands, like four other countries, did not participate in the competition this year because of its alleged influence by Israel. Avrotros now also cancels its participation in 2027.
Eurovision has become a platform for division, says the director general of Dutch media outlet Avrotros.
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