Despite earlier reports that NPO would oversee the participation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 for The Netherlands, the Dutch broadcaster has now confirmed it will not be present in Burgas, Bulgaria next May.
🇳🇱 The Netherlands will continue its Eurovision boycott
Over the Summer much speculation surrounded the ongoing Eurovision boycott of The Netherlands and the possibility of returning for the Burgas contest next May. After AVROTROS, the main Dutch broadcaster responsible for their participation confirmed the boycott would remain in place, attentions turned to other broadcasters within the country.
Last month, the NPO alongside support from NOS, revealed they would set up a working group to find an artist to represent The Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. Today, the NPO has confirmed a reversal of that decision. Following talks between the NPO and its members, it was determined that it is still too early to return so soon. Owing mainly to the lack of support from its members and difficulties in agreeing on a selection process for a willing artist. Although it won’t participate, the NPO will still air the live broadcasts from Burgas next May.
In December of 2025, AVROTROS withdrew from the contest in the aftermath of the EBU General Assembly. Tensions surrounding Israel’s continued participation were a contributing factor. However, NOS and NTR still aired the contest and provided commentary. In total, five broadcasters withdrew from Eurovision 2026 including, Iceland (RÚV), Ireland (RTÉ), Spain (RTVE) and Slovenia (RTVSLO).
“We understand that this is a disappointment for anyone who is looking forward to a Dutch entry at the Eurovision Song Contest. As a NPO, we think it is important that we serve all Dutch people, so also the group of people who have a warm heart for the Eurovision Song Contest and would like to see the Netherlands participate again. We are convinced that the Eurovision Song Contest belongs to the public broadcaster, as one of the biggest international cultural events around music, connection and diversity.
From our coordinating task, we had discussions with the broadcasters to investigate whether there are broadcasters who want to make the participation of a Dutch artist possible. In these discussions, we initially have sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a good format for this. As a result, we have to conclude that it is too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Because of the sensitivities around the themes that are now playing out, we have decided to take a step back at the moment.”
Jet de Ranitz, (Chairman of the Board of Directors, NPO)
“The Eurovision Song Contest belongs to the public broadcaster. We have known for some time that Israel’s participation provokes various responses in society and creates discussion and division. This is also the case among broadcasters and employees and we understand that sensitivity. We only want to send an artist or artists and employees to the festival if they can count on full support from one or more broadcasters. This is the only way to convey the importance of music, culture, diversity and connection in the right way. We have that responsibility to bear with each other, which is why the NPO, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, decided to refrain from participating in 2027.
We will continue to talk to the EBU about the future of the Eurovision Song Contest. Because we are convinced that the event can again become a place of music and connection, where there is room to discuss social themes. We see that the EBU is willing to take those important steps. We will continue to contribute to this as NPO.”
Jurre Bosman, (Director of Media, NPO)
🇳🇱 The EBU responds to the decision of The Netherlands
Following today’s decision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) responded with the following statement:
“We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the Contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it.
We recognise that opinions about the Contest are deeply and sincerely held at the moment, and that they differ widely, both within countries and between them. We do not dismiss any of those views. Public service media exist to serve their audiences, and it is right that our Members weigh these questions carefully, in dialogue with their own communities.
At the same time, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience. That spirit of unity is what the Contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it.
We are very happy that the 2027 Contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands and look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again whenever NPO, its members and audiences feel the time is right. We will keep talking with NPO and the Dutch fans who care so much about this event.”
Martin Green CBE, (Director of the Eurovision Song Contest)
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