The Netherlands has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 over the controversial issue of Israel’s participation, Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced on Tuesday.
The decision follows a series of developments over whether the country would take part in the annual music competition, amid growing opposition to Israel’s participation over the war in Gaza.
“We have known for some time that Israel’s participation provokes various reactions in society and is a source of debate and disagreement,” NPO media director Jure Bosman said in a statement. He added that, following consultations with the broadcaster’s governing body, NPO had decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
Netherlands reverses earlier decision
The announcement ends months of uncertainty over the Netherlands’ participation.
In August, broadcaster AVROTROS, which is responsible for selecting the Dutch entry and broadcasting Eurovision, announced it would withdraw, arguing that the event could not be considered “neutral” given the divisions surrounding the war in Gaza.
A month later, NPO intervened and said it would take over the responsibility. It has now reversed that decision.
NPO executive chairman Jet de Ranitz acknowledged that the withdrawal would disappoint many Dutch Eurovision fans. However, he confirmed that the contest would still be broadcast on the country’s public television channels.
“It is too early for us to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027,” he said.
Other countries reconsider participation
Ireland has already announced that it will not participate in Eurovision 2027, while the head of Spain’s public broadcaster has expressed support for a boycott.
Earlier this month, Czech public broadcaster Czech Television also withdrew from the competition, citing budget constraints rather than the dispute over Israel’s participation.
The withdrawals come amid continuing controversy over Israel’s involvement following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, caused widespread destruction and displaced most of the territory’s population amid a severe humanitarian crisis.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place on 15 May in Burgas, Bulgaria.
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