After weeks of speculation among the Dutch media, AVROTROS, the national broadcaster has confirmed in a public statement that it will not return to the Eurovision Song Contest 2027.
No return for AVROTROS at Eurovision 2027
In a public statement released by AVROTROS the broadcaster confirms its intention to maintain its boycott from the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite recent speculation, the broadcaster will not be sending a representative to Burgas next May. The full statement is as follows:
“AVROTROS will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 because the event can no longer be considered neutral, with a participating country still involved in a large-scale military conflict. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a significant impact on the Contest and have led to deep divisions. Over the past year, AVROTROS has called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to establish transparent rules for the participation of countries involved in military conflicts. However, the recently announced changes by the EBU do not provide sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest has been restored. Participation is therefore no longer consistent with the values of AVROTROS: trustworthiness, independence and humanity.
The severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza and the ongoing restrictions on press freedom have contributed to increasing divisions surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years. This is reflected in, for example, the decision of five countries not to participate in 2026, former winners returning their trophies, and more than 1000 musicians and cultural professionals calling on the EBU, in an open letter, to intervene. This underlines the need for a clear framework for assessing the participation of countries involved in military conflicts. Under which circumstances is participation compatible with a neutral Eurovision Song Contest, and when is it not? For AVROTROS, it remains unclear on what basis the EBU makes that assessment.”
Further to this, the Director General added:
“The Eurovision Song Contest was originally created to bring people and countries together. It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the Contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division. As a public broadcaster, we remain committed to our values. They guide us in everything we do, even when that means stepping away from an event that is very close to our hearts. That is painful as we would have very much liked to be part of the Contest again next year.”
Taco Zimmerman, (AVROTROS General Director)
Last year, 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). So far, AVROTROS is the only broadcaster to continue its boycott.
Confirmation of AVROTROS’ continued non-participation could open the door for another Dutch broadcaster to step in. The broadcaster has transferred responsibility to the NPO who are the governing body in charge of Dutch broadcasting. Previously, The Netherlands has broadcast the contest and chosen a representative through NTS and NOS. Although one broadcaster, Omroep Max has already declined any opportunity to take over from AVROTROS. The broadcaster citing financial constraints and Eurovision not fitting its target audience as the main reasons.
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