Netherlands reverses course and withdraws from Eurovision again
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 13:50 · Archive
The Netherlands has reversed its September decision to rejoin Eurovision, saying it will boycott over Israel's participation.
The Netherlands has reversed its September decision to rejoin Eurovision and will boycott the 2027 contest over Israel's participation. NPO, the umbrella organisation for Dutch public broadcasters, announced in September that it would send a performer after initially planning to sit out the contest for a second year.
NPO director Jet de Ranitz said the organisation was unable to secure a broadcaster to send a Dutch artist. 'Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being,' de Ranitz said. NPO had planned the 2027 return as a joint project between multiple public broadcasters coordinating the selection of a performer, coverage and commentary.
The decision to return sparked immediate backlash. Earlier this month, hundreds of NPO employees sent a letter opposing Dutch participation, and several prominent Dutch media personalities publicly objected. Five longtime Eurovision participants—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia—boycotted the 2026 edition after organisers declined to remove Israel over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. NPO will continue to broadcast the contest.
How it is being reported
- Dutch reverse course and withdraw from Eurovision againThe Netherlands has reversed a decision to rejoin Eurovision, saying its boycott of the song contest over Israel's participation is back on.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 13:18
- Dutch reverse course and withdraw from Eurovision againThe Netherlands has reversed a decision to rejoin Eurovision, saying its boycott of the song contest over Israel's participation is back on.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 13:18
In this story: Netherlands · Eurovision Song Contest · Israel · Spain · Ireland · Iceland · Slovenia · NPO
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