The Low Countries announced their withdrawal from Eurovision: "The competition has become a platform for division"

The public broadcaster from the Low Countries announced the withdrawal of the country from the next edition of Eurovision, citing reasons related to neutrality.

The management of the Avrotros television station stated that, due to the divisions caused by the war in Gaza, the contest can no longer be considered a neutral event.

"It is undeniable that international conflicts increasingly affect the contest, undermining its neutral character. Therefore, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a platform for division," said Taco Zimmerman, the general director of AVROTROS.

The contest faced a wave of boycotts this year related to Israel's participation.

Earlier this month, the organizers announced that they exclude the possibility of any country involved in an armed conflict hosting the competition, but this change is not sufficient according to the Dutch.

Won by Bulgaria, this year's edition of Eurovision was marked by the boycott of five countries, as a result of Israel's participation, a state criticized for its military actions in Gaza.

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After the 2026 edition, marked by protests, participation in Eurovision 2027 remains uncertain. Ireland has confirmed that it will not participate, while the Netherlands awaits a decision from the European Union