A familiar Eurovision absence is taking shape, but the Netherlands may still find a route back to the stage.

The Netherlands may once again miss out on the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Public broadcaster Avrotros has decided to withdraw from the competition due to the ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the broadcaster said that the contest’s organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has still not established clear criteria for allowing countries to participate in Eurovision.

The severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza and restrictions on press freedom have deepened the divisions surrounding the contest in recent years. Eurovision was originally created to bring people together, but it has now become a source of discord. As a public broadcaster, we remain committed to our values

– Avrotros

Why the Netherlands is boycotting Eurovision

This year, the contest organizers amended the rules. In particular, countries involved in an “armed conflict” or facing a “sensitive geopolitical situation” will be unable to host the following contest if they win.

Avrotros believes these changes are insufficient to restore Eurovision’s “independent and neutral status.” That is why the broadcaster has decided not to participate in the contest for the second consecutive year.

At the same time, another broadcaster may obtain the license to air the contest and hold the national selection in the Netherlands. This means the country still has a chance to be represented at Eurovision 2027.

This year, Avrotros also boycotted the contest because of Israel’s participation. In 2025, for the first time in Eurovision’s history, Bulgaria’s representative DARA won the contest with the song Bangaranga.

Reaction from the contest organizers

Martin Green, the contest’s director, said that the organizers regretted Avrotros’s decision but respected the broadcaster’s position. According to him, they will now continue negotiations with other Dutch broadcasters so that the country can still take part in Eurovision.

We very much hope that audiences and artists from the Netherlands will continue to be represented at the Eurovision Song Contest

– Martin Green

Therefore, the Netherlands’ final participation in Eurovision 2027 will depend on whether another broadcaster in the country can take responsibility for broadcasting the contest and organizing the selection of its representative.