The Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027, citing Israel’s participation

The Netherlands has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 after previously announcing its return following its boycott of the 2026 competition.

At the end of September 2026, Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced that the Netherlands would return to Eurovision 2027, although that decision has since been reversed.

NPO cited Israel’s participation in the 2027 competition as a reason for its decision to withdraw.

The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation, amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East. Ireland will also sit out Eurovision 2027.

The Netherlands criticises Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2027

Jurre Bosman, NPO media director, said the broadcaster understood the sensitivities surrounding the conflict. Translated, he said: “The Eurovision Song Contest belongs on public broadcasting. We have known for some time that Israel’s participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division.

“This is also the case among broadcasters and staff, and we understand that sensitivity. However, we only want to send an artist or artists and staff to the contest if they can count on the full support of one or more broadcasters. Only in this way can they properly convey the importance of music, culture, diversity and connection.

“We must share that responsibility, which is why the NPO has decided, following consultations with the College of Broadcasters, not to participate in 2027.”

Eurovision reacts to The Netherlands withdrawal

In a statement responding to NPO’s decision not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, Martin Green CBE, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “We’re deeply sorry that NPO will now not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands.”

The contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands.

UK returns for Eurovision 2027

The UK will return to Eurovision 2027 with the BBC beginning the search for its entry, aiming to showcase the best of contemporary British music.

David May is leading the search once again as UK Eurovision Project Director. He previously managed Sam Ryder, who finished second at Eurovision 2022.

He led the UK’s Eurovision selection process in 2025, when Remember Monday finished 19th with ‘What the Hell Just Happened?’, and in 2026, when Look Mum No Computer finished 25th with ‘Eins, Zwei, Drei’.

The contest will take place at Arena Burgas, Bulgaria’s newest sports and entertainment venue. The semi-finals will be held on 11 and 13 May, followed by the Grand Final on 15 May.