Eurovision 2027 in Chaos as Dutch Broadcaster Boycotts Contest Over War Row: 'It Is No Longer Neutral'

Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. However, the Netherlands could still compete if Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO) assigns the entry to another broadcaster.

AVROTROS announced its decision on 24 August after rejecting the European Broadcasting Union's new rules. It said Eurovision was no longer neutral while a participating country was at war.

AVROTROS Hands Decision Back to NPO

AVROTROS has returned responsibility for Dutch participation to NPO. The organisation oversees the Netherlands' public broadcasting system. It will now decide what happens next, including whether to find a replacement broadcaster.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has left open the possibility of a replacement Dutch entry. Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said talks with NPO would continue, and those talks could include another broadcaster.

Green said the EBU regretted AVROTROS's decision. He also said the organisation respected its position, though no replacement broadcaster has been named.

That leaves the Netherlands in an unusual position. AVROTROS is out of Eurovision 2027, but the country itself has not formally withdrawn.

AVROTROS Says Contest Is No Longer Neutral

AVROTROS said tensions in the Middle East had caused growing division around Eurovision. It also cited humanitarian suffering in Gaza and raised concerns about press freedom.

AVROTROS said it had pressed the EBU for clearer rules over the past year. It wanted a transparent framework for countries involved in military conflicts, but the broadcaster said the latest changes fell short.

Director-General Taco Zimmerman said international conflicts were increasingly affecting Eurovision. He said the contest had become a 'platform for division', and AVROTROS had hoped to return in 2027.

The broadcaster also stayed out of Eurovision 2026. Its earlier statement directly linked that decision to Israeli broadcaster KAN and cited concerns surrounding Gaza.

New EBU Rules Fail To End Boycott

The EBU announced updated Eurovision 2027 rules on 12 August. One major change covers hosting during armed conflict and also applies during serious geopolitical instability.

A winning broadcaster can be ruled ineligible to host if security is materially affected. The rule also covers serious threats to stability that apply to the broadcaster's country or immediate region.

The EBU may commission an independent security assessment and may also consult Eurovision's Reference Group. The final decision rests with the EBU.

However, the rule concerns hosting, not participation. AVROTROS said that distinction left its main concern unresolved, as it wants clearer criteria for who can compete.

The EBU also raised the minimum age for contestants from 16 to 18 and clarified rules for live lead vocals. Those changes take effect for Eurovision 2027.

NPO Could Replace AVROTROS To Keep Netherlands in Eurovision 2027

The next move now rests with NPO. It could leave the Netherlands out of Eurovision 2027 or explore another broadcaster. Any replacement would still need to meet Eurovision requirements, as the EBU restricts participation to eligible member broadcasters. Specially invited associates can also take part.

The Netherlands was one of five countries absent from Eurovision 2026. Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain were also missing, as their broadcasters had also withdrawn from that year's contest. The dispute centred on Israel's participation. The issue had already divided several participating broadcasters.

Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 with DARA's 'Bangaranga'. The victory gave Bulgaria its first Eurovision title and secured hosting rights for 2027. Burgas will host the next contest at Arena Burgas. The semi-finals are set for 11 and 13 May 2027, with the grand final following on 15 May.

The final list of participating broadcasters is still pending. NPO now controls the Dutch decision, so a replacement entry therefore remains possible.