As EBU members gathered in a General Assembly in Geneva today, a vote on the new rules for Eurovision 2026 took place, with the motion passing. As a consequence, Israel will remain in the Contest. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS immediately published a statement to confirm their non-participation for 2026.
A participation that “cannot be reconciled” with public values
The Dutch broadcaster explained that after extensive consultation and deliberation with stakeholders, both external (the EBU, broadcasters, fans, etc.) and internal (Works council, supervisory board, etc.), it has decided to not participate in Eurovision 2026, because of the EBU General Assembly decision to allow Israel to remain.
The broadcaster had already warned that they would take this decision, back in September. At the time and today, they denounced the situation in the Middle East, the infringement of public media values in Israel and the political interference in Eurovision 2025, an interference which they say was acknowledged by the EBU in the General Assembly.
This has not been an easy decision, nor one taken lightly. The Eurovision Song Contest is of great importance to us. Culture unites, but not at any price. What has happened over the past year has tested the limits of what we can uphold. Universal values such as humanity and press freedom have been seriously compromised, and for us, these values are non-negotiable. As a public broadcaster, we have a responsibility to remain true to our core values, even when that is difficult or sensitive.
Taco Zimmerman, General Director of AVROTROS
This will mark the first non-participation of The Netherlands since 2002.
The full statement from AVROTROS
AVROTROS has decided not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. This decision follows a careful and extensive deliberation process in which we consulted a broad range of stakeholders: from the Israeli ambassador to Amnesty International, from the EBU to several European public broadcasters, as well as our own Association Council, Works Council, Supervisory Board, and the many thousands of Eurovision fans who reached out to us. After weighing all perspectives, AVROTROS concludes that, under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation. This decision was taken in close coordination with the Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO), which respects and supports the conclusions we have drawn.
Review of the Process
On 12 September 2025, AVROTROS noted that the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza, the restrictions on press freedom, and the political interference surrounding the most recent edition of the Eurovision Song Contest were incompatible with the values we stand for. In that context, AVROTROS concluded that participation by the Israeli broadcaster KAN in this year could no longer be aligned with our responsibilities as a public broadcaster. Reliability, independence, and humanity are our guiding principles.
EBU Response and Developments
The EBU has acknowledged that political interference occurred during the previous edition and has announced additional measures to prevent a recurrence. However, these measures do not alter what happened during the last contest. Today, the General Assembly decided that Israel will be allowed to participate in 2026. At the same time, the meeting made clear that concerns about the neutrality and apolitical character of the Eurovision Song Contest remain significant among several European public broadcasters.
Conclusion
What unfolded over the past year, including the infringement of universal values such as humanity, press freedom, but also the political interference that occurred during the previous edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, crossed a boundary for us. That remains decisive for AVROTROS, regardless of the steps taken since. Additionally, the situation in Gaza remains extremely fragile and deeply concerning. At this moment, it is simply too early to speak of a substantial, stable improvement that would allow us to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in a way that aligns with our values.
Statement from Taco Zimmerman, General Director of AVROTROS
“This has not been an easy decision, nor one taken lightly. The Eurovision Song Contest is of great importance to us. Culture unites, but not at any price. What has happened over the past year has tested the limits of what we can uphold. Universal values such as humanity and press freedom have been seriously compromised, and for us, these values are non-negotiable. As a public broadcaster, we have a responsibility to remain true to our core values, even when that is difficult or sensitive.”
How do you feel about AVROTROS’ decision? Did you expect it to go through with it? How do you feel about the way the contest is heading after today? Tell us more in the comments below, but remember to remain respectful.
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