Dutch public broadcaster NPO reversed its earlier pledge and will not field an entry for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, citing insufficient support among member broadcasters amid divisions over Israel's inclusion.
The Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after its public broadcaster association NPO decided on Tuesday that no member broadcaster was prepared to take responsibility for a Dutch entry.
Media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation “elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division,” and after consultation with the board of broadcasters the NPO concluded it was too early to take part. Chair Jet de Ranitz added that discussions initially suggested sufficient support to return, but no suitable format could be found.
The decision reverses a September announcement in which NPO had stepped in after AVROTROS withdrew, pledging that the Netherlands would return to the contest to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The country had already boycotted the 2026 edition in Vienna along with several others over the same issue.
NPO’s statement confirms the withdrawal stems from the lack of a broadcaster willing to support an entry amid the sensitivities, while the organisation said the contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands. Eurovision director Martin Green said he was deeply sorry about the decision but respected the strength of feeling behind it.
The stakes centre on whether other countries that have expressed reservations will follow a similar path, and on whether the European Broadcasting Union’s earlier rule changes will prove sufficient to keep the contest intact ahead of the May 2027 shows in Burgas. NPO said it remains in discussion with the EBU about the future of the event.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Neutral
- Jurre Bosman: Israel’s participation elicits various reactions and causes discussion and division.
- Jet de Ranitz: It is currently too early to participate; we have decided to take a step back.
- Martin Green: We are deeply sorry that the Netherlands would not take part but we understand their decision.