Netherlands quits Eurovision 2027, citing Gaza war

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has announced it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster cited ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on the contest's character as the primary reason for its withdrawal. AVROTROS Director-General Taco Zimmerman stated that the competition has become a "platform for division" and can no longer be considered neutral. The broadcaster had previously boycotted the 2026 contest, citing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and press freedom. According to AVROTROS, reforms introduced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) failed to restore the contest's independent and neutral character. The broadcaster has returned responsibility for future participation to the Dutch public broadcaster NPO, which will now decide how to proceed. The Netherlands was among five countries that skipped the 2026 contest due to controversy surrounding Israel's participation. The 71st Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027.