Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision over Israel participation

The Netherlands has pulled out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with public broadcaster NPO citing “sensitivities” over Israel’s participation – reversing a previous decision to take part.

The Netherlands and four other countries boycotted this year’s event, after Dutch network Avrotros pulled out.

Avrotros said it would also not take part next year, but NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the country, stepped in and pledged last month that the country would return in 2027.

However, NPO’s media director Jurre Bosman said on Tuesday that “Israel’s participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division”, and NPO “has decided to forgo participation in 2027”.

‘Take a step back’

NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had held discussions with broadcasters about participating next year.

“In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this.

“As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.

“Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being.”

NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed, but that the contest would still be aired in the Netherlands.

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said he was “deeply sorry” that the Netherlands would not take part, but added that “we understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it”.

Green added that organisers recognise that opinions about the contest “differ widely, both within countries and between them”, adding: “We do not dismiss any of those views.

“At the same time, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience.

“That spirit of unity is what the contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it.”

Green said they looked forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when they “feel the time is right”.

Bulgaria beckons

The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all bocotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation, amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.

Eurovision organisers have announced a number of changes in an attempt to address the divisions, including to exclude any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition, and changes to the voting.

As well as the Netherlands, Ireland will also not take part in 2027, and the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has come out in favour of a boycott.

The Czech public broadcaster has also pulled out, but cited spending cuts as the reason.

Eurovision 2027 will take place in Burgas in Bulgaria on 15 May, following Dara’s win in Vienna this year with the dance track Bangaranga.

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