
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros cites lack of neutrality and ongoing conflict in Gaza as reasons for withdrawal
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has announced the Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing concerns that the event has lost its neutral character and become a platform for division due to the war in Gaza.
AI-generated summary
The Netherlands previously boycotted the 2026 competition in protest of Israel's participation. ESC organizers recently introduced rules barring countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting.
Dutch state broadcaster Avrotros said on Monday that the Netherlands will not be taking part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).
The event can "no longer be considered neutral," given the war in Gaza, it said.
Avrotros Director-General Taco Zimmerman said international conflicts were increasingly affecting the contest and "undermining its neutral character," adding that the event had "become a platform for division."
The Netherlands boycotted the 2026 competition, along with several other countries, in protest at Israel's participation.
Earlier this month, ESC organizers announced new rules that bar any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the event.
"However, the recently announced changes ... do not provide sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest has been restored," Avrotros said.
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