Following the Dutch boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, AVROTROS and NPO want an evaluation report from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) before any decision is made on a Eurovision 2027 return.
🇳🇱 AVROTROS and NPO want EBU evaluation report before considering any comeback plans
After Bulgaria’s thrilling victory in Vienna, attention quickly turns to the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. Already the national broadcaster of The Netherlands has declared its position, stating the need for an EBU evaluation before any considerations to return can be made. Talking to national media, AVROTROS and NPO stated:
“We congratulate Bulgaria on winning the Eurovision Song Contest. The NPO looks back on an eventful edition, and we would like to thank our colleagues at the NOS and NTR for providing coverage of the festival, with expert commentary by Henry Schut and Jeroen Kijk in de Vegte.
Naturally, this raises the question of whether the Netherlands will be on the Bulgarian podium next year. Before we can say anything about that, we are awaiting the EBU evaluation. Based on that, we will enter into discussions with AVROTROS.”
AVROTROS/NPO speaking to RTL
🇳🇱 Omroep Max expresses Eurovision interest
Whilst AVROTROS remains cautious, one Dutch broadcaster has shown interest in taking over the Eurovision reins. During an interview with AD, Jan Slagter the Director of Omroep Max expressed his wish to see The Netherlands represented at the contest. No other Dutch broadcasters are willing, according to AD.
“The Eurovision song contest is important for the Netherlands and actually I think we should just participate with an artist. While we also condemn actions by the Israeli government, it does not have to lead to a boycott. Should AVROTROS not go again, I would be willing to sit down and talk with the NPO. But we’re not going to pay for this from our own pocket. In that scenario the NPO has to make a big contribution to the budget to help financially.”
Jan Slagter, (Director Omroep Max)
In the aftermath of the EBU General Assembly last December, a number of broadcasters formally withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Due to concerns raised over Israel’s continued participation The Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain chose to boycott the contest. However, the broadcast of the live shows still aired in the The Netherlands. Local broadcaster NOS took on the responsibility in the absence of AVROTROS, with NTR providing the commentary team.
Do you want The Netherlands to return for Eurovision 2027? Let us know! Keep track of the latest news by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok, subscribing to YouTube and liking our Facebook page! Also, follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts.
