Key facts
- The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
- Dutch broadcaster Avrotros withdrew from the 2026 and 2027 contests due to controversy over Israel's participation.
- The NPO will oversee the Netherlands' participation in 2027.
- An independent panel will select the Dutch participant for Eurovision 2027.
- Eurovision organizer EBU has introduced rule changes, including excluding countries in armed conflict from hosting.
- The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 14 in Burgas.
The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, with public broadcaster NPO stepping in to ensure the country's participation. The decision comes after Dutch network Avrotros withdrew from the 2026 and 2027 contests, citing concerns that the competition could no longer be considered neutral due to divisions over Israel's involvement and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Avrotros had stated that the changes proposed by Eurovision organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), did not provide sufficient confidence that the contest's independent and neutral character had been restored. However, the NPO announced on Wednesday that the EBU has taken significant steps regarding the rules, leading to the Netherlands' return. The NPO explicitly asked the EBU to emphasize the unifying character of the festival.
Eurovision director Martin Green CBE expressed delight at welcoming the Netherlands back, highlighting constructive conversations with NPO and the aim to reinforce the contest as a place that reflects the spirit of 'United by Music'. The 2027 contest is scheduled to take place on May 14 in Burgas. The Netherlands was one of five countries that boycotted the recent event.