# Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria over Israel, reversing its return

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/entertainment/netherlands-pulls-out-of-eurovision-2027-in-bulgaria-over-israel-reversing-its)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 27 Oct 2026
Updated: 27 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 27 Oct 2026

> A month after promising to return, Dutch public broadcaster NPO said Israel's participation causes 'discussion and division'. Ireland is also out, and Spain's broadcaster backs a boycott.

The Netherlands will not take part in the **Eurovision Song Contest 2027**, its public broadcaster NPO said on Tuesday, 27 October, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation. The decision reverses a pledge NPO made last month that the country would return, the BBC reported.

Eurovision 2027 is in **Burgas, Bulgaria, on 15 May**, after Bulgaria's Dara won in Vienna this year with the dance track *Bangaranga*.

## What NPO said

NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel's participation "elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", so NPO "has decided to forgo participation in 2027".

NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the broadcaster had first felt there was enough support to return, but "we were unable to find a suitable format" and it was "currently too early" to take part. The contest will still be shown on Dutch television.

Eurovision director Martin Green said he was "deeply sorry" but respected "the strength of feeling behind it", and that organisers look forward to a Dutch entry when the time is right.

## Who is out of Eurovision 2027 so far

- **Netherlands:** out, over Israel's participation.
- **Ireland:** will not take part.
- **Spain:** the head of its public broadcaster has spoken in favour of a boycott.
- **Czech Republic:** out, citing spending cuts rather than Israel.

Five countries, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel's participation, amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

## What organisers have changed

Eurovision organisers have announced changes to the voting and a rule barring any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the contest, in an attempt to ease the divisions.

More [entertainment news](/news/entertainment) on Searchable.

## Frequently asked questions

**Where and when is Eurovision 2027?**

Eurovision 2027 is in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 15 May 2027.

**Why did the Netherlands pull out of Eurovision 2027?**

Dutch broadcaster NPO said Israel's participation causes discussion and division in society, and it could not find a suitable format to take part.

## Sources

- Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision again over Israel participation (BBC News): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmr4y5dvlzneo
- The Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 due to Israel 'sensitivities' (Al Jazeera): https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/27/the-netherlands-pulls-out-of-eurovision-2027-due-to-israel-sensitivities

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