Advertisement

Homepage

An Eurovision flag flies at the port of Burgas, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, which will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, August 14, 2026. (Valentina Petrova/AP)

The Netherlands will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster NPO said Tuesday, citing “sensitivities” over Israel’s participation, reversing its announcement last month that it would likely join the event.

“We have known for some time that Israel’s participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division… therefore, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027,” Jurre Bosman, NPO’s media director, said in a statement.

The Dutch decision brings to an end a series of flip-flops over its participation, highlighting the divisive nature of the debate in the country and more broadly.

0:00 / 0:00

Promoted: Jewish Crossroads, Avi Issacharoff

In August, the AVROTROS broadcaster, which selects the…