Dutch say won't participate in 'no longer' neutral Eurovision
AVROTROS said geopolitical tensions over Gaza have undermined Eurovision’s neutrality and returned Dutch participation decisions to NPO.
- On Monday, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced the Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. Director-General Taco Zimmerman stated the event can "no longer be considered neutral" given divisions over the Gaza war.
- Recent changes by the EBU excluding countries involved in armed conflict failed to restore confidence in the contest's neutrality. The competition has recently faced a wave of boycotts over Israel's participation.
- The 2026 competition attracted 131 million viewers, a decline of 35 million from the previous year. Israel finished second in both 2025 and 2026, fueling scrutiny surrounding the event.
- Zimmerman called the decision "painful as we would have very much liked to be part of the Contest again next year." He added that as a public broadcaster, they remain committed to their values.
- Despite the withdrawal, the world's biggest live televised music event is scheduled for May 15 in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas. It marks the first time Bulgaria has hosted the competition.
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The Netherlands, like four other countries, did not participate in the competition this year because of its alleged influence by Israel. Avrotros now also cancels its participation in 2027.
Eurovision has become a platform for division, says the director general of Dutch media outlet Avrotros.
The ESC dispute about Israel's participation continues: the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros does not want to participate in the competition in 2027, as he announced. Nevertheless, the Netherlands may be represented at the ESC.
Dutch broadcaster exits Eurovision 2027: 'A platform for division'
Avrotros says the contest’s “independent and neutral character” has not been restored, but Dutch participation is still possible via another broadcaster. The post Dutch broadcaster to boycott Eurovision again in 2027: ‘A platform for division’ appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.
The ESC participation of Israel remains controversial. Also in 2027 the TV station responsible for the ESC in the Netherlands does not want to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.
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