The Netherlands will not participate in "Eurovision 2027", which is scheduled to take place in Burgas. The decision was announced by the public broadcaster AVROTROS, which links the withdrawal to ongoing controversies surrounding the war in Gaza and the participation of states involved in large-scale military conflicts.
The media outlet stated that the contest cannot be defined as neutral while there is a country among the participants involved in a large-scale military conflict. The position does not explicitly name Israel, but the decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the participation of the Israeli public broadcaster in the contest.
"The geopolitical tension in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the contest and has led to deep divisions. Over the past year, AVROTROS has called on the European Broadcasting Union to introduce transparent rules for the participation of states involved in military conflicts," the statement says.
Earlier this month, the European Broadcasting Union introduced changes to the rules, according to which a country engaged in military conflict will not be able to host the contest in the event of a victory. However, according to AVROTROS, the new regulations "do not provide sufficient grounds to believe that the independent and neutral nature of 'Eurovision' has been restored".
The contest as a "platform for division"
The General Director of AVROTROS, Taco Zimmerman, described the decision as painful but necessary according to the principles of the Dutch public broadcaster.
"The Eurovision Song Contest was originally created to unite people and countries. It is indisputable, however, that international conflicts are having an increasingly strong influence on the contest and are undermining its neutral character. As a result, 'Eurovision' has become a platform for division," said Zimmerman.
AVROTROS emphasizes that participation under current conditions does not align with their values, which include independence, humanity, and credibility. The broadcaster points to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and restrictions on media freedom as factors that have heightened tension surrounding the contest.
However, the possibility of the Netherlands returning to the race is not completely excluded. The final word on Dutch participation rests with the public media organization NPO.
The boycott in Vienna
In May 2026, the Netherlands was among the five countries that boycotted the contest in Vienna due to Israel's participation. Besides the Dutch broadcaster, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrew from participation, and some of them did not even broadcast the competition itself.
The 2026 edition was watched by 131 million viewers, which is 35 million less compared to the previous year.
Changes before the contest in Burgas
Meanwhile, the Israeli cosmetics company Moroccanoil, which was a main sponsor of "Eurovision", announced that it would not renew its contract after six years of partnership with the contest.
"Eurovision 2027" will be the 71st edition of the contest and is scheduled for Burgas between May 11 and 15. Bulgaria received the hosting rights after DARA's victory with the song "Bangaranga" in Vienna in May 2026.