Dutch state broadcaster pulls out of 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing Gaza war
According to AVROTROS Director-General Taco Zimmerman, "It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the Contest, undermining its neutral character."
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the event's loss of neutrality due to geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Gaza. The broadcaster, which had previously boycotted the 2026 contest in Vienna, expressed concern over the impact of international conflicts on the contest's impartial character.
AVROTROS informed the Dutch public broadcaster NPO of the decision, returning the Netherlands' participation to their responsibility. The NPO will now decide on the country's participation for 2027. The Netherlands was one of five nations that opted out of Eurovision 2026 due to controversy over Israel's participation. Ireland, along with Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland, also boycotted the 2026 contest.
RTÉ, Ireland's broadcaster, has not yet confirmed its involvement in Eurovision 2027 but has not ruled out participation in the future. The 71st Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May, with the final list of participating countries to be announced later in the year.
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