The Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over Israel’s participation

The Netherlands is withdrawing from Eurovision 2027, public broadcaster NPO announced on Tuesday, citing the “sensitive” issue of Israel’s participation in the music competition, AFP reports.

“We have known for some time that Israel’s participation has prompted various reactions within society and has become a source of debate and division... Therefore, following consultations with the broadcasters’ council, NPO has decided to withdraw from the 2027 edition,” said Jurre Bosman, NPO’s director of media, in a statement.

Jet de Ranitz, NPO’s chief executive, acknowledged that the decision would disappoint many Dutch Eurovision fans, while emphasizing that the contest would still be broadcast on public television channels, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

“For the time being, it is too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027,” he said.

“Given the sensitive issues surrounding the topics currently under discussion, we have decided to take a break for now,” Jet de Ranitz added.

The contest has recently been affected by a series of boycotts over Israel’s participation, in protest against its offensive in Gaza, launched in response to the unprecedented attack carried out by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Ireland has already announced that it will not participate, while the head of Spain’s public broadcaster has voiced support for a boycott.

Earlier this month, the Czech public broadcaster also withdrew, citing budgetary constraints.

Photo: Eurovision Song Contest / Facebook