Netherlands U-turns on Eurovision 2027 as they confirm boycott over Israel
Claude represented The Netherlands at Eurovision in 2025 (Getty Images)
The Netherlands has reversed its decision to return to Eurovision in 2027, with public broadcaster NPO confirming it will not participate due to “sensitivities” and division linked to Israel’s participation.
NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said: “Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being.”
De Ranitz said discussions with broadcasters had initially suggested there was sufficient support for a comeback, but NPO was unable to find a “suitable format” for taking part. “As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027,” she added.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation “elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division”, and NPO “has decided to forgo participation in 2027”.
Netherlands do the Hokey Cokey
The move is a U-turn from last month, when the Netherlands confirmed it would return to Eurovision in 2027 after boycotting the contest in 2026, despite Dutch network AVROTROS saying it would not take part. Instead, NPO said they would handle the country’s entry, while it would be broadcast on NOS.
The Netherlands was one of five countries to boycott Eurovision in 2026 in Vienna over Israel’s participation. Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also stayed away.
Ireland has confirmed it will not return in 2027, while Canada will compete for the first time ever.
‘We believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world’
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said, as per the BBC, he was “deeply sorry” the Netherlands would not take part, adding: “We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it.”
Green said organisers recognise opinions about the contest “differ widely, both within countries and between them”, adding: “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.”
Eurovision organisers have also set out measures aimed at easing divisions, such as barring any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the contest, alongside alterations to the voting.
Earlier this month, Czechia also pulled out of the 2027 show, due to “financial pressures”.
Eurovision 2027 is set to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria on 15 May, following Dara’s win in Vienna with the track Bangaranga.
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