Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision 2027

The Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster NPO has said, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation.

The 2027 contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the Grand Final being held at Arena Burgas on 15 May.

The semi-finals will take place on 11 and 13 May.

The contest has recently seen a wave of boycotts over Israel's participation, in protest at the country's offensive in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas militant attacks in 2023.

Earlier this month, the Czech public broadcaster also pulled out, but it cited spending cuts as the reason.

Ireland had already announced it would not be taking part, while the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has come out in favour of a boycott.

Announcing Dutch broadcaster NPO's decision, its media director, Jurre Bosman, said in a statement: "We have known for some time that Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division... therefore, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027."

Jet de Ranitz, NPO's executive chairman, acknowledged this would disappoint many Dutch Eurovision fans and stressed that the contest would still be aired on the public channels.

However, he said: "We must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027."

"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being," added de Ranitz.

Source: AFP