Netherlands Withdraws From Eurovision 2027 Over Israel Participation Disputes

By רעות גולדמן

Translated & summarized from Walla by baba

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Hebrew · 20 newsrooms covering

The Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2027 due to sensitive disputes over Israel's involvement, the Dutch Broadcasting Corporation (NPO) announced Tuesday. NPO Media Director Yoore Bossman cited societal division and lack of sufficient support for participation. Despite the withdrawal, Dutch viewers can still watch the contest on public television. A discussion on Israel's participation is set for December at the European Broadcasting Union.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

The Netherlands will not compete in Eurovision 2027 due to disputes over Israel's participation.
Dutch broadcaster NPO cited societal division and lack of support for the decision.
Eurovision 2027 will still be broadcast in the Netherlands with commentary.
The European Broadcasting Union will discuss Israel's participation in December.
Several countries oppose Israel's participation, citing the war in Gaza.

Netherlands Withdraws From Eurovision 2027 Over Israel Participation Disputes — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Dutch Broadcasting Corporation (NPO) announced Tuesday that the Netherlands will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 due to "sensitive" disputes surrounding Israel's involvement in the competition. This decision comes despite the Netherlands previously confirming its intention to return to the contest and following consultations between the NPO and other Dutch broadcasters.

"We have known for a long time that Israel's participation in the competition evokes different reactions and creates significant division in society," stated Yoore Bossman, Media Director of the NPO. "As a result of the controversy, we have decided to forgo participation in the 2027 competition."

The NPO explained that recent consultations revealed insufficient support for the Netherlands' participation in Eurovision next year. The controversy extended beyond public discourse, affecting broadcasters and their employees. The NPO clarified it would not send a Dutch representative without full support from at least one of the country's broadcasting bodies.

Yit de Ranitz, Chairman of the NPO, acknowledged that the decision would disappoint many fans but confirmed that the contest would still be broadcast on public television. "We could not find a suitable format for participation," he explained. "Given the sensitive issues at stake, we have decided for now to take a step back from our participation."

Despite the withdrawal, Dutch viewers can still follow Eurovision 2027 through the public broadcaster NOS, which will air the competition live with Dutch commentary and a preview program. A discussion regarding Israel's participation is scheduled for December at the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision. The EBU has so far resisted calls to exclude Israel, with countries like Germany and Italy supporting its participation, while others oppose it, citing international criticism of the war in Gaza and alleged voting system manipulations, which the EBU has fully denied.