Dutch Broadcaster Withdraws From Eurovision 2027
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros pulls out of 2027 Eurovision Song Contest
Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing concerns about the competition's neutrality while countries engaged in armed conflicts remain eligible to participate.
In a statement Monday, Avrotros said organizers—the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU)—lack clarity on assessing which nations can compete. The broadcaster referenced humanitarian suffering in Gaza and press freedom restrictions as contributing factors to growing divisions around the contest.
The EBU recently updated rules stating that countries involved in armed conflicts cannot host Eurovision if they win. However, Avrotros stated these changes do not adequately restore the competition's independent and neutral character.
The Netherlands boycotted this year's contest in Vienna after Israel's participation was approved. Another Dutch broadcaster could potentially represent the country in 2027, as the Netherlands has multiple public broadcasters.