The Netherlands will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. The Netherlands Eurovision 2027 boycott was confirmed by public broadcaster NPO, which reversed a plan announced last month for the country to return to the contest.
NPO said the decision was linked to sensitivities around Israel’s participation. The announcement came after discussions with broadcasters about a return, and it means the Netherlands will miss a second Eurovision in a row after also sitting out the 2026 contest.
Avrotros, the Dutch broadcaster that had already said it would not take part in 2027, had pulled out of the 2026 event in Vienna as well. NPO oversees public broadcasting in the Netherlands, and its decision applies to the national entry, not to television coverage: the contest will still be aired in the Netherlands.
The BBC reported the Netherlands decision, while Reuters also covers the wider debate around the contest. For the wider political backdrop, see The Today News coverage of the Israel Election 2026 deadlock.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Decision | The Netherlands will not take part in Eurovision 2027 |
| Broadcaster | NPO, the Dutch public broadcasting organisation |
| Other broadcaster | Avrotros had already said it would not take part in 2027 |
| Contest | Eurovision Song Contest 2027 |
| Host city | Burgas, Bulgaria |
| Final date | 15 May 2027 |
| Reason given | Sensitivities around Israel’s participation |
| Broadcast in the Netherlands | The contest will still be aired in the Netherlands |
| Previous year | The Netherlands also did not take part in 2026 |
| Other countries out in 2027 | Ireland will also not take part in 2027 |
Netherlands Eurovision 2027 boycott: what happened
NPO had pledged last month that the country would return in 2027, after the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation. That return plan has now been dropped.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation elicits varied reactions, and NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said discussions had initially suggested there was enough support to return. De Ranitz said that position changed, and NPO concluded it was too early to take part, adding that the organisation had decided to take a step back because of the sensitivities involved.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said he was deeply sorry the Netherlands would not take part. He said organisers recognise that opinions about the contest differ widely, and that they looked forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when the time is right.
Why NPO changed its position
The Netherlands Eurovision 2027 boycott follows a longer dispute about how the contest handles political tensions. Avrotros had already withdrawn from the 2027 contest in August 2026, pointing to a lack of clarity from organisers, the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and restrictions on press freedom.
Organisers have announced changes intended to address divisions around the contest, including new rules for countries involved in armed conflict. Even so, NPO said the timing was not right for a Dutch return in 2027.
What happens next
Eurovision 2027 will go ahead in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 15 May 2027, following the win in Vienna in 2026. The Netherlands Eurovision 2027 boycott means the Netherlands will not field an entry, but Dutch viewers will still be able to watch the contest on television.
Ireland will also not take part in 2027. The Czech public broadcaster has also pulled out, citing spending cuts as the reason. The line-up for Burgas will therefore be without several countries that have been central to the recent debate about the contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Netherlands pulled out of Eurovision 2027?
NPO said the decision was due to sensitivities around Israel’s participation. It said that after discussions with broadcasters, it concluded it was too early to return to the contest.
Will Eurovision 2027 still be shown in the Netherlands?
Yes. NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed, but said the contest would still be aired in the Netherlands, even though the country will not enter a song.
Did the Netherlands boycott Eurovision 2026?
Yes. The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation, after Avrotros had pulled out of that event.
Where and when is Eurovision 2027?
Eurovision 2027 will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the final on 15 May 2027.
Which other countries will not take part in 2027?
Ireland will also not take part in 2027. The Czech public broadcaster has pulled out as well, citing spending cuts.
Could the Netherlands return in a later year?
Eurovision organisers have said they look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again when the time is right. NPO has not announced a return date, and its statement framed the 2027 decision as a step back for now.
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