Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has confirmed that the Netherlands will be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, to be held in Basel, Switzerland. This follows months of discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Following Eurovision 2024, the backstage atmosphere and working conditions were criticised by various countries. The disqualification of Joost Klein prior to the Grand Final led AVROTROS to long discussions with the EBU on how to improve the situation for the upcoming edition. Along with other countries’ broadcasters, they stated they would not participate if the conditions would not improve. According to a statement released by AVROTROS, they are now assured that plenty of structural changes have been made. This includes the following:
- The appointment of a safety manager in the artist environment
- Greatly reducing filming behind the scenes
- A safe space for artists behind the scenes, where they will not be disturbed
- A crisis team consisting of EBU representatives, participating countries and the hosting broadcaster, to assure that important decisions will be made democratically
- The appointment of Martin Green as the new Eurovision director to oversee the changes above.
AVROTROS states that they will continue to monitor the process closely, but they have enough confidence in these innovations to participate in 2025.
In the same statement, the broadcaster revealed that Joost Klein will not be their representative in 2025 in Basel. He was offered the opportunity, but has declined. Joost Klein also discussed this on his social media:
I’ve made the decision to not participate in Eurovision 2025.
My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn’t feel good. I am very thankful for all the love around the world, however I am still very affected by this year. I need to give myself more time to heal.
It was my dream to do Eurovision and we did that. For months I had this feeling that I needed to make a return to finish the job. But in reality: we reached a higher goal. Europapa united a lot of people. This story is not just about me, it’s about us. I’m grateful.
Submissions for the Dutch Eurovision song for 2025 are now open. Artists, composers, lyricists, producers and record labels are invited to “submit an authentic, distinctive and competitive song”. Applications can be sent to songfestival@avrotros.nl up until Friday 22 November.
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