Netherlands to return to Eurovision after 2026 boycott

The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after a boycott that began in 2026. Dutch broadcaster Avrotros withdrew from the 2026 edition and announced it would also skip 2027, arguing the competition could “no longer be considered neutral” amid divisions over Israel’s participation and the Gaza war. The NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the Netherlands, has intervened, stating the contest will be aired by NOS while an independent committee selects the Dutch entrant. Jurre Bosman, NPO’s manager of media, said: “It is important that, as a national broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular.” Israel’s participation has become highly controversial, and five countries—including the Netherlands—boycotted this year’s event. In August, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced it would exclude any state engaged in an armed conflict from hosting the competition. Consequently, Israel may still compete but would need another nation to host on its behalf if it wins. The EBU also projected changes to the voting system, describing politically motivated voting as “persistent” and “deeply worrying.” Avrotros countered that these adjustments did “not provide sufficient assurance that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest has been restored.” In a statement issued Wednesday, the NPO said the EBU had “taken important steps regarding the rules” of the contest. Acknowledging that the event provokes “mixed feelings” in the Netherlands, the NPO added it had “explicitly asked the EBU to once again make the unifying character of the festival an important part of the event.” The NPO further noted that the Dutch entrant will be chosen by “an independent team of experts” who will “carefully guide the process surrounding the act.” Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also withdrew from the 2026 contest alongside the Netherlands. The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for 14 May in Burgas, following Bulgarian singer Dara’s victory this year with the song “Bangaranga.” Eurovision manager Martin Green remarked in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands back to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. We value the constructive conversations we have had with NPO and look forward to working together to strengthen the Contest as a place that genuinely reflects the spirit of ‘United By Music’.” Last month, it was announced that Canada will participate in the contest for the first time.