Music
Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 again: NPO cannot find a broadcaster to send an artist
After withdrawing in August and returning in September, the Dutch public broadcaster changes course again, citing “sensitivities” over Israel's participation.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 27, 2026, 15:00 · Updated 18:42 · 1 min read
In brief
- NPO announces the Netherlands will not take part in the May 15, 2027, Eurovision in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Director Jet de Ranitz: No broadcaster agreed to send a Dutch artist.
- Ireland and Czechia have also said they will not take part, while the head of RTVE backs continuing the boycott.
The Netherlands will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, public broadcaster NPO announced, in a new U-turn after months of wavering. NPO director Jet de Ranitz said the organization could not find any broadcaster willing to send a Dutch artist, “due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play,” referring to Israel's participation. NPO will nevertheless broadcast next year's contest.
The decision-making has been turbulent. In August, AVROTROS announced it would not take part, citing Israel's presence in the contest. In September, NPO reversed course and confirmed a return, but around 400 of its employees signed a letter calling for a rethink. Now NPO has withdrawn again.
Organizers react
Eurovision director Martin Green said he was “deeply sorry” the Netherlands would not be in the contest, but added: “We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it.” The next edition takes place on May 15, 2027, in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Dara's win in Vienna in 2026.
The Netherlands is not alone. Ireland has said it will not take part, Czechia has withdrawn citing budget pressures rather than Israel, while the head of Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has backed continuing the boycott. In 2026, five countries, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia, boycotted the contest over the decision to keep Israel in it. The Vienna edition drew 131 million viewers, 35 million fewer than a year earlier.
