The Netherlands will not compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, public broadcaster NPO announced on Tuesday, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation in the event.
NPO media director Jurre Bosman said that "Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", and the organisation decided to withdraw after initially pledging last month to return to the competition.
The reversal follows months of internal discussions with other broadcasters about whether a suitable format existed for Dutch participation. NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had attempted to find a way forward but ultimately concluded the timing was wrong.
"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," de Ranitz said.
The Dutch withdrawal is part of a broader pattern of boycotts rooted in opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza and the Middle East. Five countries, including the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, boycotted the 2026 contest in Sweden over the same issue. Ireland and Spain have now also confirmed they will not participate in 2027, with the Spanish broadcaster's head publicly supporting a boycott. The Czech public broadcaster pulled out citing spending cuts instead.
NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed by the decision but said the contest would still be broadcast in the Netherlands.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said organisers were "deeply sorry" about the Dutch withdrawal while respecting the decision. He defended the competition's role in bringing people together around music and creativity, adding that organisers recognise opinions about the contest "differ widely, both within countries and between them."
Eurovision organisers have implemented changes in response to the divisions, including excluding any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition and altering voting procedures.
The 2027 contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria on 15 May.