One month after the Netherlands confirmed it would be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster has changed its mind.
The Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO) has declared it will not go ahead with selecting a representative and instead step back from the 2027 edition.
This comes after the broadcaster stepped in last month after AvroTros, the broadcaster that usually facilitates the Dutch entry, claimed it would boycott.
In a new statement, the NPO said that the decision had been made due to ‘sensitivities’ around the contest, alluding to the ongoing push to ban Israel from competing.
Jet de Ranitz, Chair of the Executive Board of the NPO, said: ‘We understand that this is a disappointment for everyone looking forward to a Dutch entry at the Eurovision Song Contest. As the NPO, we believe it is important to serve all Dutch people, including those who hold the Eurovision Song Contest dear and would like to see the Netherlands participate again.
‘We are convinced that the Eurovision Song Contest belongs on public television, as one of the largest international cultural events centered on music, connection, and diversity.’
She revealed they had ‘held discussions’ to see if another broadcaster would help facilitate the competition, after AvroTros’ boycott.
While they ‘initially felt there was sufficient support to return’, ultimately the country has been forced to pull out.
De Ranitz added: ‘Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being.’
The NPO has said that the broadcasting organisation NOS will provide coverage of the contest while an independent panel will select the Dutch participant.
The semi-finals and final will air as usual but without an act from the Netherlands, as it did this year.
The Netherlands and other nations boycotted the competition in 2026 over the EBU’s refusal to suspend Israel despite the severe civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Along with the Netherlands, Ireland has confirmed that it will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 after boycotting the 2026 competition.
In a statement, the country’s broadcaster said: ‘RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.’
Iceland, Spain and Slovenia also boycotted the 2026 contest. Neither Iceland or Slovenia have ruled out participation in the 2027 event, which will be held in Bulgaria.
Spain’s broadcaster has indicated there are discussions underway over whether to boycott again.