In brief
The Dutch public broadcaster NPO has reversed a pledge to return this year to the Eurovision Song Contest, citing sensitivities around Israel’s participation in the 2026 event. Following a boycott by five countries—including the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia—NPO has announced it will not field an entry in 2027, though the contest will still be broadcast. Director Jurre Bosman said the decision was driven by social division and the desire to "take a step back" as the competition moves to Burgas, Bulgaria. Eurovision officials lament the loss but stress that they remain committed to the unity and shared experience the contest represents. The decision leaves fans disappointed but opens a debate on how the contest will navigate political tensions in the future.
Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027
The Dutch public broadcaster NPO has reversed an earlier pledge to return this year to the Eurovision Song Contest, citing sensitivities over Israel’s participation in 2026. After Avrotros withdrew in 2026, NPO pledged a 2027 entry, but media director Jurre Bosman said the broadcaster will instead only televise the event.
The decision comes amid a boycott by five other nations—Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands—over Israel’s role in the 2026 contest, a move linked to criticism of the Gaza conflict.
Take a step back
NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said discussions with other broadcasters had yielded insufficient support for a 2027 entry. The organisation noted it “cannot find a suitable format” to justify participation given the current sensitivities.
NPO acknowledged that fans may be disappointed but confirmed the contest will still air in the Netherlands. Eurovision director Martin Green expressed regret but emphasised the contest’s role in promoting unity across Europe.
Bulgaria beckons
The 2027 contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria on 15 May, following the victory of Russia’s Dara in Vienna in 2026. Eurovision organisers are reviewing changes, such as excluding host nations involved in armed conflicts and revising voting procedures.
Ireland will also skip 2027, and Spain’s broadcaster head publicly supports a boycott. The Czech Republic has withdrawn over budgetary cuts. Despite this, the Eurovision website remains a hub for updates: Eurovision.tv.
