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

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 on Searchable.