Netherlands returns to Eurovision 2027 as NPO takes over entry from Avrotros

Dutch entry transferred to NPO

The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after public broadcaster NPO agreed to manage the national delegation. The country boycotted the 2026 competition in Vienna alongside Ireland, Iceland, Spain, and Slovenia in protest over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Avrotros, the broadcaster traditionally responsible for Dutch participation, announced in August 2026 that it would not take part in 2027. Avrotros cited humanitarian suffering in Gaza and press freedom restrictions, stating that the contest could no longer be considered neutral.

Avrotros left the ultimate decision to other domestic networks, allowing NPO to step in. Under the revised plan, public network NOS will broadcast the contest while an independent panel of experts selects the Dutch entrant.

“It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular.”

EBU rule revisions and hosting restrictions

NPO decided to enter the competition following regulatory updates adopted by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). In August 2026, the EBU established that any winning nation involved in an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation will be automatically ineligible to host, requiring an alternative country to stage the event. The EBU also introduced measures to curb politically motivated televoting campaigns after Israel placed second in 2026 following promotional campaigns.

Regulators are assessing rules to obligate viewers to vote for at least three different nations. Furthermore, commercial sponsor Moroccanoil withdrew from the event. Jet de Ranitz, chair of the NPO board, stated that the organization engaged in extensive discussions with the EBU to ensure the unifying character of the festival remained central.

Diverging responses across European broadcasters

Public broadcasters across the continent remain divided over participating alongside Israel. Ireland confirmed that RTÉ will stay away for a second consecutive year, stating that entry cannot be justified given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In Spain, RTVE head José Pablo López informed lawmakers of his proposal to maintain the Spanish boycott. Slovenia has not finalized its decision after missing preliminary meetings, while Icelandic representatives attended early planning sessions.

In Belgium, Flemish broadcaster VRT will participate in 2027 after Walloon network RTBF oversaw the 2026 entry. VRT previously sought a formal EBU member vote on Israel's participation and opposed apolitical restrictions after a Spanish presenter was reprimanded in 2026 for mentioning Gaza. VRT dropped its demand for an exclusion vote after receiving assurances on structural governance reforms.

“We have received a clear commitment from the EBU leadership that changes will be noticeable.”

Contest preparations in Burgas

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in the coastal city of Burgas, Bulgaria. The venue was secured after Bulgarian singer Dara, whose full name is Darina Yotova, won the 2026 contest in Vienna with the song Bangaranga. EBU leadership formally welcomed the Dutch return while expressing regret over Ireland's continued absence.

“We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands back to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.”