Dutch Broadcaster Officially Confirms Netherlands Will Boycott Eurovision 2027 Over Israel-Gaza Conflict

The Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has officially announced that the Netherlands will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. This decision follows the broadcaster's earlier statement that the contest can no longer be viewed as neutral due to the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel's participation. Despite changes in contest rules, AVROTROS stated these do not restore their trust in the event. The Netherlands, a Eurovision participant since the contest's inception in 1956, saw a significant drop in viewership during the 2026 contest, with ratings falling by 35 million viewers after five countries boycotted the event over Israel's involvement.

The announcement came after conflicting reports surfaced suggesting the Netherlands might return to Eurovision in 2027, which is scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. These reports, published by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, had raised hopes among fans that the boycott might end. However, AVROTROS issued a firm and critical statement toward the European Broadcasting Union, confirming no plans to rejoin the contest next year. The boycott reflects broader tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and its impact on international cultural events.

Notably, the boycott also included Dutch artist Joost Klein, who refused to support Israeli contestant Eden Golani in Eurovision 2024. The Dutch decision underscores the ongoing political complexities influencing the Eurovision Song Contest and its participants.