Netherlands Withdraws from Eurovision 2027 Over Israel's Participation

The withdrawal follows intense internal and external pressure. In August, the broadcaster AVROTROS, which traditionally managed the Dutch entry, refused to participate, stating that the contest had lost its neutrality because a participating nation was engaged in a major military conflict. Although the NPO subsequently attempted to organize an independent entry, the plan faced severe backlash. Approximately 400 public broadcasting employees signed a protest letter under the hashtag #NietMijnSongfestival, and pro-Palestinian groups staged demonstrations in Hilversum calling for a complete boycott.

Ultimately, the NPO canceled its participation after all Dutch broadcasters informed the organization that their employees would not support the entry, leaving no broadcaster willing to take responsibility or fund the delegation. Despite the boycott, the Netherlands still plans to broadcast the competition on public television through the NOS network. The European Broadcasting Union expressed regret over the decision, while other nations, including Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia, are also boycotting or considering boycotts over Israel's involvement.