Netherlands to return to Eurovision after 2026 boycott

The Netherlands is set to return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, despite a boycott by its previous broadcaster, Avrotros. The Dutch network suspended its participation in 2026 and declared it would not take part again in 2027 due to concerns over the competition's neutrality amid divisions over Israel's involvement and the ongoing Gaza war.

The Netherlands Public Broadcasting Organization (NPO), which oversees public broadcasting in the country, has now stepped in to provide coverage of the contest, with an independent panel to select the Dutch participant.

NPO's director of media, Jurre Bosman, emphasized the importance of remaining part of this unifying European event, especially at this moment. Israel's participation in the contest has been highly controversial, leading to a boycott by five countries, including the Netherlands, in this year's event. In response, Eurovision organizer the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced several changes, excluding any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition. While Israel can still compete, the EBU would ask another country to host if Israel won.

The EBU has also proposed changes to the voting process, citing persistent politically motivated voting as deeply worrying. However, Avrotros stated that these changes did not provide sufficient confidence that the contest's independent and neutral character has been restored. On Wednesday, the NPO stated that the EBU has taken significant steps regarding the contest's rules, and the Netherlands will return.

The NPO acknowledged that the contest provokes mixed feelings in the Netherlands and has explicitly asked the EBU to reinforce the festival's unifying character. The Dutch entrant will be chosen by an independent team of experts who will guide the process surrounding the act. Eurovision director Martin Green expressed delight at welcoming the Netherlands back to the contest in 2027, highlighting the EBU's value for the constructive conversations with NPO and looking forward to reinforcing the contest as a place that truly reflects the spirit of 'United By Music'.