The Eurovision Song Contest has expressed its regret after the Netherlands confirmed it will not take part in the 2027 competition. The country's public broadcaster, NPO, announced the decision on Monday, saying it had "taken a step back" from the event.
The Netherlands was among five countries that boycotted this year's contest in Vienna, Austria, due to Israel's participation. The NPO had announced last month that the country would return for the 2027 edition, but discussions about its involvement failed to secure sufficient support.
NPO Statement on Withdrawal
In a statement issued to the BBC, Jet de Ranitz, the chairwoman of the NPO, said: "In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this. As a result, 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."
The withdrawal follows the Netherlands' boycott of the 2026 event in Vienna, along with Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, over Israel's continued participation amid its actions in Gaza. There were several protests in the Austrian capital during the contest over Israel's inclusion.
Eurovision's Response
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said he was "deeply sorry" the country would not be taking part, adding: "We understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the founding countries of the contest and has been part of the Eurovision family since the very first edition in 1956. Dutch artists, fans and broadcasters have shaped the contest over seven decades, and the Netherlands has been a creative and valued voice in it."
Green also acknowledged that opinions about the contest "differ widely, both within countries and between them", adding: "We do not dismiss any of those views. Public service media exist to serve their audiences, and it is right that our members weigh these questions carefully, in dialogue with their own communities. At the same time, we believe the Eurovision Song Contest matters in a divided world. It is one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music, creativity and shared experience. That spirit of unity is what the contest has always stood for, and we are committed to protecting it."
Green said he was "very happy" the competition would continue to be broadcast in the Netherlands, adding that the organisation "looks forward" to welcoming a Dutch entry when "the time is right".
UK Search and 2027 Host City
The announcement comes as the search for an artist to represent the United Kingdom at next year's contest has begun. The BBC confirmed the hunt is under way for both an artist and a song, with a focus on presenting "the very best of contemporary British music". UK Eurovision project director David May, who brings almost two decades of music industry experience to the role, is leading the search.
The chosen act and song will be announced ahead of the submission deadline from the European Broadcasting Union in March 2027. The 71st edition will be held in the city of Burgas after Bulgarian entry Dara won this year's contest with her electro-pop song Bangaranga. The semi-finals and grand final will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on May 11, 13 and 15.
