Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision again over Israel participation
The Netherlands has decided not to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest due to ongoing societal divisions regarding Israel's involvement. Despite initial plans to return, the Dutch public broadcaster NPO concluded that the current climate makes participation unsuitable.
Why it matters
This highlights how geopolitical tensions and public sentiment continue to impact international cultural events and institutional participation.
Image source, Getty Images By Emma Saunders Culture reporter Published 52 minutes ago The Netherlands has pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, with public broadcaster NPO citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation - reversing a previous decision to take part.
The Netherlands and four other countries boycotted this year's event, after Dutch network Avrotros pulled out.
Avrotros said it would also not take part next year, but NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the country, stepped in and pledged last month that the country would return in 2027 .
However, NPO's media director Jurre Bosman said on Tuesday that "Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", and NPO "has decided to forgo participation in 2027".
NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had held discussions with broadcasters about participating next year.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in