Dutch Broadcaster AVROTROS Rejects Eurovision 2027 Return, Citing Political Concerns

The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has officially announced it will continue to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest and will not return for the 2027 competition. This statement came after reports suggested the Netherlands might rejoin Eurovision in 2027, which is set to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria. AVROTROS criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), accusing the contest of losing its neutrality, particularly due to the participation of a country involved in a large-scale military conflict, an apparent reference to Israel.

AVROTROS also expressed dissatisfaction with new EBU rules that prevent countries in geopolitical or military crises from hosting Eurovision. Although AVROTROS initially supported such regulations, it now claims they do not restore the contest’s neutrality or independence. The broadcaster concluded that Eurovision no longer aligns with its values of credibility, independence, and humanity.

While AVROTROS refuses to participate, it has transferred responsibility for the Netherlands’ Eurovision involvement to the Dutch public broadcasting association NPO. NPO has the authority to assign another broadcaster to represent the country, leaving open the possibility that the Netherlands could still return to Eurovision under a different network.

Eurovision 2027 is scheduled for May 11 and 13 for the semifinals, with the grand final on May 15. Israel faces its own challenge as the contest dates coincide with its Memorial Day for fallen soldiers. The final decision on the Netherlands’ participation will be made by NPO in the coming weeks, keeping the question of the Dutch boycott’s continuation unresolved.