Netherlands returns to Eurovision in 2027

The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, one year after withdrawing from the contest over Israel’s participation.

The Dutch public broadcasting organisation NPO has confirmed that the country will participate with a Dutch entry, while an independent team of experts will be responsible for selecting and supporting the act.

AVROTROS and NPO

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew from Eurovision 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided to allow Israel to participate. AVROTROS had previously stated that it would not take part as long as Israel remained in the contest, citing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, restrictions on press freedom and political interference surrounding the previous edition of Eurovision.

AVROTROS also decided not to return in 2027, saying that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to have too much influence on the contest and that changes introduced by the EBU did not provide sufficient confidence that its independent and neutral character had been restored.

Following the decision, AVROTROS handed responsibility for the Dutch participation back to NPO.

NPO has since held talks with the EBU and says the organisation has taken important steps regarding the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest. According to NPO, the changes came partly as a result of critical public broadcasters engaging in discussions with the EBU.

NPO says it has agreed with the EBU that the original purpose of the contest should once again be placed at its centre.

Jet de Ranitz, Chair of the Board at NPO, says:

– We understand that taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest gives rise to mixed feelings in the Netherlands. We have explicitly asked the EBU to make the unifying character of the contest a central part of the event once again, in recognition of a time of geopolitical unrest, war and polarisation.

She continues:

– We are seeking that connection again now, by taking account of what is happening in the world, but by making room for a conversation about it. To help shape and carry forward that direction, we as Dutch public broadcasting want to be part of the Eurovision Song Contest again. That way we can truly live up to ‘United by Music’ together.

New structure for the Dutch participation

From 2027, the responsibility for the Dutch entry and the coverage of Eurovision will be separated.

Previously, one broadcaster was responsible for both. The Dutch entry will now become a joint project of the country’s public broadcasters, coordinated by NPO. An independent team will be established to select and support the Dutch act, making use of existing expertise within the public broadcasting system where possible.

It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular.Jurre Bosman, Director of Media at NPO

NOS, the Dutch public broadcaster responsible for news and major events coverage, has been asked to provide the preview, coverage and commentary for Eurovision 2027. NOS will not be responsible for the Dutch entry itself, allowing it to continue covering Eurovision independently and impartially.

Jurre Bosman, Director of Media at NPO, says:

– It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular, an event that wants to take serious steps towards a format that better reflects the times we live in.

– It also means we are responding to the wishes of hundreds of thousands of Dutch Eurovision fans, and that is ultimately what we are here for as a public broadcaster.

The Netherlands’ artist for Eurovision 2027 will be announced at a later date. Eurovision 2027 will be broadcast in the Netherlands on NPO 1 and NPO Start.

The Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest

The Netherlands has historically been one of the 10 most successful Eurovision countries.

They have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 65 times since their debut in 1956, with five victories:

• 1957: Corry Brokken – Net Als Toen
• 1959: Teddy Scholten – Een Beetje
• 1969: Lenny Kuhr – De Troubadour
• 1975: Teach-In – Ding-A-Dong
• 2019: Duncan Laurence – Arcade

The Netherlands came last in the contest 5 times: 1958, 1962, 1963, 1968 and 2011.

Since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004, they have qualified for the Grand Final 11 out of 21 times, but only competed in 10 finals, as they were disqualified from Eurovision 2024.