The Netherlands will not participate in the 'no longer neutral' 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

The Netherlands has announced it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) due to the conflict in Gaza, according to Dutch state broadcaster Avrotros. This marks the nation's first absence from the event since its inception in 1956. The decision comes after Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia joined the Netherlands in a boycott of the contest, protesting Israel's participation.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters also demonstrated outside the event. Avrotros Director-General Taco Zimmerman stated that international conflicts are increasingly impacting the contest and compromising its neutral character. The ESC organizers have introduced new rules barring countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting the competition, but Avrotros believes these measures do not sufficiently restore the contest's independent and neutral reputation.

Israel has placed second in the ESC twice in recent years, and the 2027 contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The Dutch broadcaster emphasized its commitment to its values, despite the painful decision to withdraw from the upcoming contest.