Eurovision Song Contest - Burgas 2027 / EBU
The Netherlands has backtracked on its decision to participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS confirmed earlier this year that it would not be taking part in the 2027 edition – to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria – after boycotting Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s ongoing participation.
NPO – an organisation in charge of Dutch public broadcasters – then said that it would instead take responsibility for the Netherlands’ entry in 2027 but it has now confirmed that it can no longer proceed.
NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said: “In our coordinating role, we held discussions with the broadcasters to investigate whether there are any broadcasters willing to facilitate the participation of a Dutch artist.
“In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this.
“As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being.”
Eurovision director Martin Green 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 Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the Contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the Contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it.
“We recognise that opinions about the Contest are deeply and sincerely held at the moment, and that they differ widely, both within countries and between them. We do not dismiss any of those views. Public service media exist to serve their audiences, and it is right that our Members weigh these questions carefully, in dialogue with their own communities.
“At the same time, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience. That spirit of unity is what the Contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it.
“We are very happy that the 2027 Contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands and look forward to welcoming a Dutch entry again whenever NPO, its members and audiences feel the time is right. We will keep talking with NPO and the Dutch fans who care so much about this event.”
