Netherlands reverses decision: Will not participate in Eurovision 2027

The Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2027 after all. Dutch public broadcaster NPO has reversed its earlier decision to return to the contest

The Netherlands will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, despite previously confirming its return.

At the end of September, Dutch public broadcasting organisation NPO announced that the Netherlands would return to Eurovision 2027, despite broadcaster AVROTROS deciding not to participate because of Israel's participation and the ongoing war in Gaza.

The decision was met with widespread criticism. Dozens of complaints were submitted to the ombudsman for public broadcasters, while around 400 NPO employees signed a letter urging the organisation to reconsider its participation.

NPO

NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep) is the governing body of the Dutch public broadcasting system. It coordinates the country’s public broadcasters and distributes programming across the national public television, radio and online services.

The Dutch public broadcasting system currently consists of 13 broadcasters:

Nine member-based broadcasters: AVROTROS, BNNVARA, EO, HUMAN, KRO-NCRV, MAX, PowNed, VPRO and WNL.
Two task broadcasters: NOS and NTR.
Two provisional broadcasters: Ongehoord Nederland (ON!) and Omroep Zwart.

AVROTROS has been responsible for the Netherlands’ participation in the Eurovision Song Contest from 2014 until 2026.

NPO had planned to organise the Dutch participation through an independent team of external experts, with other public broadcasters invited to contribute.

However, none of the broadcasters were willing to provide staff for the project, leaving NPO without sufficient support to organise a Dutch entry.

NPO has now reversed its decision and confirms that the Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2027.

Israel's participation causes division

NPO chair Jet de Ranitz says the organisation initially believed there was sufficient support for a Dutch return, but ultimately failed to find a suitable way to organise the participation.

– Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a suitable arrangement. We must therefore conclude that it is currently too early to participate in Eurovision 2027, says De Ranitz.

NPO's Media Director Jurre Bosman acknowledges that Israel's participation continues to cause debate and division, both within Dutch society and among broadcasters and their employees.

Bosman emphasises that NPO will only send an artist to Eurovision if they receive the full support of at least one broadcaster.

Despite the withdrawal, Eurovision 2027 will still be broadcast in the Netherlands by NOS, including Dutch commentary and a preview programme.

Deeply sorry about withdrawal

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has responded to the Netherlands' withdrawal from Eurovision 2027. Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expresses regret over the decision but says the EBU understands and respects the concerns behind it:

EBU Statement

Statement on NPO choosing not to participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2027

We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the Contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it.

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. 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.

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.

We are very happy that the 2027 Contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands and look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again whenever NPO, its members and audiences feel the time is right. We will keep talking with NPO and the Dutch fans who care so much about this event.

Martin Green CBE, Director Eurovision Song Contest

Source: EBU