Last August, the Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS confirmed it won’t compete in Eurovision 2027.
This will be the second year in a row that AVROTROS chooses to boycott the contest
AVROTROS claims the EBU hasn’t provided tools or answers on how to make the contest more neutral. It ties its decision directly to the participation of countries in military conflict.
In 2026, the Netherlands was one of 5 countries that decided to withdraw from the contest, together with Spain, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia.
However, the Dutch principal TV Network NPO, has decided that the country will participate in Eurovision 2027, but with a different broadcaster.
While AVROTROS refuses to lead the Eurovision 2027 participation, other Dutch broadcasters meet the criteria to take their place: NOS, NTR, VPRO, Zwart, WNL, and ON.
NPO utilized the time to explore more options that will make their participation possible.
However, things have changed today. NPO has just released an additional statement where they declare Eurovision 2027 participation isn’t part of their wishlist anymore.
Jurre Bosman, Director of Media at the NPO, said:
“The Eurovision Song Contest belongs to public broadcasting. We have known for some time that Israel’s participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division. This is also the case among broadcasters and staff, and we understand that sensitivity. We only want to send an artist or artists and staff to the festival if they can count on the full support of one or more broadcasters. Only in this way can they properly convey the importance of music, culture, diversity, and connection. We have to bear that responsibility together; therefore, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027.
We remain in dialogue with the EBU regarding the future of the Song Contest. For we are convinced that the event can once again become a place of music and connection, where there is room to make societal themes open for discussion. We see that the EBU is willing to take those important steps. We, as the NPO, will continue to contribute to this.”
The main considerations are the lack of support from the different national broadcasters, as well as the strong reactions in the public against Israel’s participation.
According to NPO, sending an artist to the contest is challenging without having the proper support.
Dutch broadcaster NOS will still broadcast the Eurovision 2027 shows, as planned.
Martin Green CBE, Director Eurovision Song Contest says:
“We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the Contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it.
We recognize that opinions about the Contest are deeply and sincerely held at the moment, and that they differ widely, both within countries and between them. We do not dismiss any of those views. Public service media exist to serve their audiences, and it is right that our Members weigh these questions carefully, in dialogue with their own communities.
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.
We are very happy that the 2027 Contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands and look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again whenever NPO, its members and audiences feel the time is right. We will keep talking with NPO and the Dutch fans who care so much about this event.
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria on May 11th, 13th, 15th, 2027
