The Netherlands pulled out of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest because of “sensitivities” over Israel’s participation, according to Dutch public broadcaster NPO.
NPO announced the decision on October 27, 2026, reversing a pledge it made only last month that the country would return in 2027. NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation “causes discussion and division” in Dutch society, and NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the broadcaster could not find “a suitable format” for taking part. The Netherlands was one of five countries, with Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, that boycotted the 2026 contest. Ireland has also said it will skip 2027, and the Czech public broadcaster has withdrawn, citing spending cuts. Contest director Martin Green said organisers were “deeply sorry” but respected the decision. Dutch viewers will still be able to watch the show, which takes place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 15, 2027.
Source: BBC News, “Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision again over Israel participation” (October 27, 2026)
Image: The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 stage. Photo by MrSilesian, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.