Dutch Broadcaster Avrotros Withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Over Neutrality Concerns
On Monday, Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros declared its exit from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, attributing the move to the event's failure to maintain neutrality in light of military conflicts involving participating nations. This announcement comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) provided vague eligibility guidelines and drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and limitations on press freedom. Earlier this month, the EBU revised its regulations to bar countries engaged in armed conflicts from hosting if they win, but Avrotros deemed these amendments inadequate. The broadcaster had previously pulled out of the 2026 contest in Vienna, which the Netherlands boycotted due to Israel's participation. Taco Zimmerman remarked that the contest has turned into "a platform for division." The NPO expressed regret but acknowledged Avrotros's choice.
Key facts
- Avrotros withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
- Reason: competition cannot remain neutral while a country involved in military conflict participates.
- Decision announced on Monday, August 24, 2026.
- EBU updated rules to prevent countries in armed conflict from hosting if they win.
- Avrotros says changes do not restore confidence in neutrality.
- 2027 contest is scheduled for Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Avrotros also pulled out of 2026 event in Vienna, Austria.
- Netherlands has won Eurovision more times than any country except Ireland and Sweden.
- Martin Green, contest director, regrets decision but respects it.
- NPO, umbrella organization, respects decision and will reflect on next steps.
- Rule change also affects Ukraine, at war since 2022.
- Israel's Noam Bettan took second place in 2026, second year in a row.
- Five broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and Netherlands, boycotted in November 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Noam Bettan
- Kalush Orchestra
Institutions
- Avrotros
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
- NPO
- Eurovision Song Contest
Locations
- Netherlands
- Bulgaria
- Burgas
- Austria
- Vienna
- Ireland
- Sweden
- Israel
- Gaza
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Jerusalem
- Tel Aviv