Dutch broadcaster AvroTros to boycott 2027 Eurovision Song Contest
The Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster said Monday, saying the event can "no longer be considered neutral" given divisions over the Gaza war.
- Europe
- Reuters
- Published Date: 12:45 PM 24 August 2026
Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros said on Monday it would boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for a second year in protest at the presence of Israel in light of the situation in Gaza and what it called a lack of clear rules for excluding countries involved in military conflicts.
"The recently announced changes by the European Broadcasting Union do not provide sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest has been restored," AvroTros said in a statement.
The broadcaster said it would hand the decision on Dutch participation to the general association of public broadcasters NPO.
The Netherlands boycotted the 2026 contest in protest at Israel's participation.