Entertainment

Netherlands to re-enter Eurovision in 2027 following boycott, broadcaster says

Public broadcaster NPO will take over Dutch participation following network Avrotros's boycott, BBC News reports.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 19:05 UTC1 reports

The short version

Dutch public broadcaster NPO will manage the Netherlands' return to Eurovision in 2027, bypassing regular network Avrotros after its boycott over contest neutrality and the Gaza war.[BBC News]
Broadcasting organization NOS will air the event, while an independent panel of experts will be formed to select the Dutch entrant.[BBC News]
The European Broadcasting Union introduced rule revisions, including barring countries engaged in armed conflict from hosting and addressing politically motivated voting.[BBC News]
Avrotros maintains that the contest's neutrality has not been restored, even as Eurovision organizers confirmed the Dutch return.[BBC News]

The Netherlands will take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, Bulgaria, following an intervention by public broadcaster NPO.[BBC News]
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros pulled out of the 2026 event and planned to skip 2027, arguing the competition was compromised by divisions surrounding Israel and the Gaza war.[BBC News]
Under the NPO's plan, broadcaster NOS will provide television coverage and an independent expert committee will select the entry.[BBC News]
New European Broadcasting Union rules bar any nation engaged in armed conflict from hosting the contest, though such countries may still enter.[BBC News]
Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia also joined the Netherlands in boycotting the 2026 competition.[BBC News]

Whether the European Broadcasting Union's new voting rules will resolve internal divisions and satisfy other boycotting member broadcasters remains unresolved.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.