Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision again over Israel participation

ByEmma Saunders Culture reporter.

Key points

• After Dara's win in Vienna this year with the dance track Bangaranga, eurovision 2027 will take place in Burgas in Bulgaria on 15 May.
• Consequently, we must conclude that it is at present too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
• After Dutch network Avrotros pulled out, the Netherlands and four other countries boycotted this year's event.
• NPO chair Jet de Ranitz remarked the organisation had held discussions with broadcasters concerning participating next year.
• NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed, but that the contest would still be aired in the Netherlands.

For context, the Netherlands has pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, with public broadcaster NPO citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation – reversing a previous decision to take part.

Avrotros remarked it would additionally not take part next year, but NPO. It oversees public broadcasting in the country, stepped in and pledged last month that the country would return in 2027.

Nevertheless, NPO's media director Jurre Bosman stated on Tuesday that "Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", and NPO "has decided to forgo participation in 2027". 'Take a step back'.

In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient backing to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this.

"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being."

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green remarked he was "deeply sorry" that the Netherlands would not take part, but went on that "we understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it".

Green continued that organisers recognise that opinions concerning the contest differ widely, both within countries and between them, adding: We do not dismiss any of those views.

Meanwhile, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when individuals from throughout Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience.

"That spirit of unity is what the contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it."

Green remarked they looked forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when they "feel the time is right".

Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all bocotted the 2026 contest over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.

Eurovision organisers have confirmed a number of changes in an attempt to address the divisions, including to exclude any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition, and changes to the voting.

As well as the Netherlands, Ireland will additionally not take part in 2027, and the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has come out in favour of a boycott.

Notably, the Czech public broadcaster has additionally pulled out, but cited spending cuts as the reason.

Taken together, the developments around netherlands pulls out of Eurovision again over Israel participation point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.