Eurovision 2027: Netherlands withdraws again over Israel row

For the second year in a row

According to NPO, the decision reflects lasting discomfort with the campaign to boycott Eurovision over Israel's continued involvement.

People in the Netherlands can still watch the contest on television, as broadcaster NOS will air it.

Meanwhile, despite the withdrawal for next year, an independent panel is expected to choose next year's representative.

This is the second year in a row that the Dutch will not participate, and for the same reasons.

The Netherlands sat out the 2026 edition of Eurovision over the same dispute, which is the participation of Israel.

This year, Irish artists have already been drawn into the same row.

As JOE previously reported, Irish acts pulled out of Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

The row was addressed directly also by singer Aaron Rowe, in comments about the Zionist lobby and Ed Sheeran that put Ireland's own music scene inside the wider boycott debate.

What the Netherlands Eurovision boycott means for 2027

As reported by Metro, NPO chair Jet de Ranitz explained the move.

"We are convinced that the Eurovision Song Contest belongs on public television, as one of the largest international cultural events centered on music, connection, and diversity," she said.

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

Claude representing Netherlands performing on stage during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at St. Jakobshalle on May 17, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Credit: Getty Images

What happens to Eurovision 2027 without the Netherlands

In spite of Netherlands not taking part, the Dutch broadcasting group NOS will still cover the contest from outside the competition itself.

And even though the country will not take part, an independent panel is now expected to pick next year's representative.

The Netherlands also sat out Eurovision 2026 after the EBU refused to suspend Israel from the contest.

How Eurovision organisers have responded

Director of the contest, Martin Green, said the Dutch exit left him "deeply sorry," adding that organisers "understand their decision, and we respect the strength of feeling behind it."

He acknowledged views on the contest "differ widely, both within countries and between them."

Even so, he argued it still "matters in a divided world" as one of few moments nations gather around music rather than politics.

Green said that a new Dutch entry would be welcomed back "when they feel the time is right".

Will the Netherlands return to Eurovision?

According to the organisers, the door remains open.

Martin Green said the contest would welcome a new Dutch entry "when they feel the time is right."

NPO, meanwhile, says it will keep broadcasting the contest to Dutch viewers.

Which countries boycotted Eurovision in 2026?

• Netherlands — via broadcaster Avrotros
• Iceland
• Spain
• Ireland
• Slovenia

All five boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel's involvement, and the Netherlands has now confirmed it will sit out 2027 too.