ESC 2027: Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision Song Contest over Israel 'sensitivities' in U-turn decision
The Netherlands will skip Eurovision for a second year in a row over “insufficient support to participate” in the 2027 competition.
The Netherlands will no longer take part in the Eurovision Song Contest due to “sensitivities” regarding Israel’s participation, reversing a previous decision to take part.
Just last month, the country’s public broadcaster NPO shared its intention to return to the competition in 2027 after Dutch network Avrotros pulled out of this year’s event, also refusing responsibility going forward.
The Netherlands was one of five countries - including Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia - which boycotted the 2026 contest over concerns about Israel’s continued presence and the ongoing war in Gaza.
Now, the NPO has confirmed it will sit out of Eurovision for a second year in a row.
The Netherlands taking ‘a step back’ from Eurovision
In a statement, NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organisation “initially felt there was sufficient support to return”. However, following further discussions with broadcasters they are “unable to find a suitable format” to participate.
De Ranitz said: “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.”
Acknowledging that the decision may be “a disappointment” for some, the release confirms the contest will still be aired in the Netherlands even though they aren’t sending a representative.
Jurre Bosman, media director at the NPO, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Eurovision director ‘deeply sorry’ Netherlands has pulled out of 2027 contest
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said in response to the decision that they are “deeply sorry” that the Netherlands will not be taking part.
He said: “We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.”
Referencing the Netherlands position as a founding countries of Eurovision, Green said: “We recognise that opinions about the Contest are deeply and sincerely held at the moment, and that they differ widely, both within countries and between them.
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“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.”
He added: “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.”
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria from May 11-15 2027.
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