Netherlands to Return to Eurovision Song Contest in 2027

The Netherlands will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, with public broadcaster NOS stepping in after the previous broadcaster, Avrotros, withdrew due to concerns over the contest's neutrality amid controversies surrounding Israel's participation in the Gaza war.

Avrotros had previously stated it would not participate in 2026 or 2027, citing that the competition could no longer be considered neutral. The NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the Netherlands, has now confirmed the country's return. The broadcaster has announced that NOS will air the contest, and an independent panel will be responsible for selecting the Dutch participant.

Jurre Bosman, NPO's director of media, emphasized the importance of public broadcasters remaining part of this "unifying European event at this moment in particular." Israel's involvement in the contest had become a significant point of contention, leading to boycotts from five countries, including the Netherlands, during the most recent event.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, had previously announced a rule change in August, stating that any country involved in an armed conflict would be excluded from hosting the competition. While Israel can still compete, it would need another country to host on its behalf should it win.

The EBU also proposed changes to the voting system, acknowledging that politically motivated voting had become "persistent" and was viewed as "deeply worrying." However, Avrotros maintained that these changes did not sufficiently restore the contest's independent and neutral character.

The NPO, in its statement, acknowledged that the EBU had "taken significant steps regarding the rules" of the contest. The organization stated that it had "explicitly asked the EBU to once again make the unifying character of the festival an important part of the event." The Dutch entrant will be selected by an "independent team of experts" who will "carefully guide the process surrounding the act."

Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia also withdrew from the 2026 contest alongside the Netherlands. The 2027 contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, following this year's victory by Bulgarian singer Dara. Eurovision director Martin Green expressed his delight at the Netherlands' return, stating, "We value the constructive conversations we have had with NPO and look forward to working together to reinforce the Contest as a place that truly reflects the spirit of 'United By Music.'"