Netherlands withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest due to neutrality concerns
Broadcaster AVROTROS announced it will not participate in the contest, stating that tensions surrounding the Gaza war have undermined Eurovision's neutral character.
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The Netherlands has decided not to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The country's public broadcaster, AVROTROS, stated that the political tensions surrounding the contest due to the Gaza war have undermined Eurovision's “neutral character.”
In the broadcaster's statement, AVROTROS General Manager Taco Zimmerman said, “It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest and eroding its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore turned into a platform for division.”
The broadcaster reported that the changes recently announced by the organization did not provide “sufficient confidence” that Eurovision's independent and neutral structure had been restored. Earlier this month, the contest's organizers announced that countries involved in armed conflicts would not be permitted to host Eurovision.
Eurovision has recently faced boycotts and protests, particularly due to Israel's participation in the contest. Israel came close to winning in the 2025 and 2026 finals, finishing in second place in both competitions.
VIEWERSHIP DROPPED IN 2026
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was watched by 131 million people. This figure marked a decrease of 35 million compared to the previous year. The decline in viewership is attributed to the impact of boycotts by countries protesting Israel's participation.
In 2026, in addition to the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia did not participate in the contest. Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia did not broadcast the event on their television channels either.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on May 15 in the Bulgarian city of Burgas on the Black Sea coast. This will be the first time Bulgaria hosts the contest.
The hosting rights passed to Bulgaria after Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known by her stage name Dara, won the 2026 contest held in Vienna with her song “Bangaranga.” Eurovision, which began in 1956, has become one of the biggest showcases for European pop music over the years.