Avrotros Withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros has withdrawn from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, asserting that the event can no longer be deemed neutral given a participating nation’s involvement in a major military conflict.

In a statement released on Monday, the broadcaster explained that the decision stemmed from unclear guidance from the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding which countries are eligible to compete.

Avrotros noted that the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continued restrictions on press freedom have fueled growing divisions around the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years.

Earlier this month, the EBU amended its rules to state that a country engaged in an armed conflict will be barred from hosting the following year’s contest if it wins. Avrotros, however, said these amendments do not sufficiently reassure them that the contest’s independence and neutrality have been restored.

The broadcaster’s decision to withdraw from the 2027 contest in Burgas, Bulgaria, does not preclude Dutch participation.

Another public broadcaster in the Netherlands may assume responsibility, as the country has multiple eligible entities.

Avrotros also withdrew from this year’s contest in Vienna, Austria, a decision that follows the Netherlands’ earlier boycott after Israel was permitted to compete.

Only Ireland and Sweden have more Eurovision victories than the Netherlands.

Martin Green, the contest director, said in a statement that the EBU regrets Avrotros’s decision but respects its perspective.

“We will now engage in dialogue with NPO, the umbrella organization for Dutch public service media, concerning prospects for another broadcaster to participate. We sincerely hope that audiences and artists in the Netherlands can continue to be represented in the Eurovision Song Contest.”

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