Netherlands withdraws from ‘no longer’ neutral Eurovision

The Netherlands has decided not to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, stating that the event can no longer be considered neutral due to ongoing divisions over the Gaza war. AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, made this announcement, with director general Taco Zimmerman stating that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character.

The 2026 Eurovision, scheduled for May 15 in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas, will be the first time the Balkan nation hosts the contest. The Dutch, who have won the contest five times, including most recently in 2019, are the first to withdraw due to the current situation. Other participating countries, including Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, have also boycotted the contest, refusing to broadcast it.

The Netherlands, a long-standing participant, will leave a void in Eurovision history. AVROTROS regrets the decision but remains committed to its values. The Eurovision Song Contest, the world's biggest live televised music event, has been a platform for pop music icons, with its recent viewership down by 35 million from the previous year due to boycotts over Israel's participation.