The Netherlands has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, reversing an earlier decision to participate after public broadcasters failed to secure support for sending a Dutch artist amid continuing controversy over Israel’s inclusion in the competition.
The Dutch public broadcasting organisation NPO confirmed the decision after discussions with broadcasters revealed that there was insufficient support to proceed with a Dutch entry. The announcement reverses a decision made in September to return to the contest, following an earlier withdrawal announced by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS in August.
The dispute centres on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, which has prompted objections from broadcasters and public figures over the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians. The Netherlands’ latest decision also follows criticism at home, with around 400 NPO employees signing a letter urging the organisation to reconsider its planned return.
In a statement, NPO director Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had initially believed there was enough support among broadcasters to participate again. However, discussions did not produce a broadcaster willing to facilitate the participation of a Dutch artist.
“In our coordinating role, we held discussions with the broadcasters to investigate whether there are any broadcasters willing to facilitate the participation of a Dutch artist. In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return,” de Ranitz said.
The organisation subsequently concluded that returning in 2027 would be premature. De Ranitz said the sensitivities surrounding the issues currently affecting the competition had led NPO to step back for the time being.
Although the Netherlands will not compete, NPO will continue broadcasting the event, allowing Dutch viewers to watch the contest without a national entry.
Eurovision director Martin Green said he was deeply sorry that the Netherlands would not participate but respected the decision and the strength of feeling behind it.
Green acknowledged that views on the contest differ significantly within countries and across Europe. He said public service broadcasters must consider the concerns of their audiences and engage with their communities when making decisions about participation.
He also defended Eurovision’s continued role as an international music event, arguing that it offers an opportunity for people from different countries to come together through music and shared experiences. Organisers, he said, remain committed to that principle and hope to welcome a Dutch entry again when NPO and its audiences consider the timing appropriate.
The Netherlands is not the only country stepping away from Eurovision 2027. Ireland has also confirmed that it will not participate, while Spain’s public broadcaster has voiced support for an ongoing boycott over Israel’s inclusion. Czechia has withdrawn as well, although its broadcaster cited budget pressures rather than the dispute over Israel.
The latest withdrawal follows a wider dispute that has increasingly affected the contest’s participating countries. In 2026, the Netherlands joined Spain, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia in boycotting Eurovision after organisers decided not to exclude Israel. Those broadcasters raised concerns about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Spain’s RTVE criticised the decision-making process, saying it had lost confidence in the contest’s organisation and believed political pressure was influencing the debate. Ireland’s RTÉ said participation was unconscionable given the loss of life in Gaza and the continuing humanitarian crisis. Slovenia’s RTVSLO said taking part would conflict with its stated values of peace, equality and respect.
The debate has also raised questions about Eurovision’s audience and its claim to bring countries together through music. The 2026 contest attracted approximately 131 million viewers, according to the original report, around 35 million fewer than the previous year. The audience figures alone do not establish why viewership declined, but the boycotts have added to the scrutiny surrounding the event.
Eurovision 2027 is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the semi-finals on 11 and 13 May and the grand final on 15 May. The city was selected after Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 competition in Vienna, securing Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory. Organisers have confirmed the dates, although the final list of participating countries is still to be announced.
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The Netherlands’ decision means the country will miss a second consecutive contest as a competitor, while Dutch audiences will still be able to watch the broadcasts. Whether the current disagreement changes the participation decisions of other countries remains to be seen as preparations for the 2027 event continue.
