Dutch say won't participate in 'no longer' neutral Eurovision

The Netherlands will not take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster announced on Monday. AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, stated that the event can no longer be considered neutral due to the divisions created by the Gaza war. According to Taco Zimmerman, Director-General of AVROTROS, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a platform for division and is no longer independent and neutral.

The broadcaster cited a wave of boycotts over Israel's participation in the contest as contributing to its loss of neutrality.

Eurovision, launched in 1955, has been the ultimate pop platform, giving rise to Swedish icons ABBA and international stars like Celine Dion, Cliff Richard, and Olivia Newton-John. However, its neutrality has been increasingly challenged by international conflicts. The Netherlands was not the only country to withdraw; Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia also decided against participating.

The 2026 contest, to be held in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas on May 15, will be the first time the Balkan nation hosts the event. Notably, Israel had previously come close to winning the contest in 2025 and 2026, finishing in second place each time.

The 2026 Eurovision was watched by 131 million viewers, a 35 million decrease from the previous year, following the boycotts by five countries over Israel's involvement.