Netherlands to return to Eurovision after 2026 boycott
Summary
The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after boycotting the 2026 event due to concerns about the competition’s neutrality over Israel’s involvement and the Gaza war. Dutch public broadcaster NPO will air the contest and select the participant through an independent panel, replacing the previous broadcaster Avrotros which withdrew because of these issues.Key Facts
- The Netherlands last participated in Eurovision in 2025 with the singer Claude.
- The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros boycotted the 2026 and 2027 contests over concerns related to Israel’s role and the Gaza conflict.
- The NPO, overseeing public broadcasting, took over and will broadcast Eurovision in 2027.
- An independent panel will select the Dutch Eurovision contestant to ensure neutrality.
- Eurovision’s European Broadcasting Union (EBU) excluded countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting the contest.
- Israel can still compete but would need another country to host if it wins, due to the conflict rule.
- Other countries boycotting the 2026 contest included Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia.
- The 2027 Eurovision contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Bulgaria’s win in 2026.
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