Dutch Public Broadcasters Demand Eurovision Exit Over Israel's Participation
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Around 400 Dutch public broadcaster employees are demanding the Netherlands withdraw from Eurovision 2027 due to Israel's participation. They criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and its impact on press freedom in a letter to NPO management. This protest comes after the Netherlands decided to return to the contest after boycotting it previously. Ireland has also withdrawn from Eurovision 2027 in protest of Israel's involvement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 400 Dutch public broadcaster employees demand Netherlands withdraw from Eurovision 2027 over Israel's participation.
- The employees cited Israel's actions in Gaza and impact on press freedom in their protest letter.
- The Netherlands had previously boycotted Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's involvement.
- Ireland has also announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027 in protest of Israel.
- The Czech Republic will not participate in 2027 due to budget cuts, unrelated to Israel.
Approximately 400 employees of Dutch public broadcasters have formally requested that the Netherlands withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, citing Israel's participation as the reason. The employees sent a letter to the management of the NPO broadcasting corporation, criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and its impact on press freedom. The letter, shared online under the hashtag "Not My Eurovision," stated, "We cannot accept a situation where the desire to participate in an entertainment program outweighs the lives of countless people being killed."
This protest follows the Netherlands' decision in September to return to Eurovision in 2027 after boycotting the 2026 competition due to Israel's involvement. The decision was made despite opposition from AVROTROS, the broadcaster previously responsible for the Dutch delegation. The NPO management has since taken over responsibility for the country's participation, forming an independent team.
The employees also criticized the decision-making process, claiming that the management of various broadcasting organizations was not consulted. Seven broadcasting organizations had already sought clarification on the matter last week. The current demand is to cancel participation in 2027 and hold a structured discussion for the following year, with threats of further protest if the demand is not met.
Meanwhile, Ireland has officially announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027 and will not broadcast the event in protest of Israel's participation. In Iceland, a majority of the public broadcasting council members oppose participation as long as Israel competes, though a final decision has not been made. The Czech Republic has also stated it will not participate in the upcoming competition, but this decision is due to budget cuts and is unrelated to Israel. Spain and Slovenia, which boycotted Eurovision 2026, have not yet officially announced their withdrawal from the next competition.
