The Netherlands withdraw from Eurovision 2027 / National public broadcaster NPO cites debates surrounding Israel’s participation

The Netherlands have decided to withdraw from the 2027 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Bulgaria in May, amid controversy over Israel’s participation. The decision was announced on Tuesday by national public broadcaster NPO, although the country had confirmed in September that it would participate through a new television broadcaster.

NPO said that the issue of Israel’s participation was provoking reactions, debate and divisions in Dutch society. After consulting the Broadcasters’ Council, the broadcaster’s management decided that the Netherlands should take a break from the competition. The Eurovision Song Contest will nevertheless continue to be broadcast by Dutch public broadcasters.

NPO chief executive Jet de Ranitz acknowledged that the withdrawal would disappoint the contest’s many fans, but argued that participating in the 2027 edition would be premature in the current circumstances.

The decision follows a wave of boycotts concerning Israel’s presence at Eurovision, amid protests over the Israeli offensive in Gaza, launched after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Ireland has already announced that it will not participate, while Spain supports a possible boycott. The Czech Republic recently withdrew, citing budget restrictions.