The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after missing the 2026 competition in protest over Israel's participation and the war in Gaza, Dutch public broadcasting organization NPO has announced.
The decision does not mean AVROTROS has reversed its previous position. The broadcaster that formerly managed the Dutch entry continues to argue that the contest is not sufficiently neutral. NPO has taken responsibility for participation, NOS is expected to carry the broadcasts and an independent expert group will select the Dutch entrant.
Why the Netherlands changed course
NPO said the decision followed discussions with the European Broadcasting Union and changes to contest rules. It emphasized a desire to return to Eurovision's unifying purpose during a period of war and polarization.
The EBU welcomed the Dutch return. Recent rule changes include adjustments to competition and voting procedures as well as provisions for cases in which a winning country faces a geopolitical crisis that creates security or stability problems for hosting the following contest.
Israel remains at the center of the dispute
AVROTROS withdrew from the 2026 contest, arguing that Israel's continued participation amid the Gaza war and humanitarian situation was incompatible with the broadcaster's values. Israel, during the wider controversy, has argued that it should not be excluded from a cultural competition because of government policy or war.
The Netherlands was one of several countries that did not participate in 2026. There is no single European broadcasting position for 2027: Ireland has already said it will stay out, while other broadcasters are still considering their positions.
What to expect from Eurovision 2027
The contest is due to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. Published plans call for semifinals on May 11 and 13 and the grand final on May 15, 2027.
The Dutch decision shows that the dispute over Israel continues to shape Eurovision after the 2026 boycott, but also that European broadcasters are not responding to it in the same way. The Netherlands has not yet selected its 2027 performer.
