The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after abandoning a boycott over Israel’s participation.
Earlier this month, Ireland announced it would not participate in the event for a second year in a row, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza.
Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia shunned the competition in May in protest at the inclusion of Israel amid its military offensive in the Palestinian territory.
Eurovision 2026 winner Dara from Bulgaria. Pic: Reuters
AvroTros, the broadcaster that usually facilitates the Dutch entry, said in August it would boycott Eurovision for a second year, arguing recent changes to the rules, preventing countries involved in “armed conflict” from hosting, were unclear.
But it left the final decision in the hands of other broadcasters in the country, and on Wednesday the NPO – the umbrella organisation for the Dutch public broadcasting system – said it would take over responsibility for the Netherlands entry.
The NPO said the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had taken “important steps” in response to criticism by countries that had not participated last time, which it said should lead to a more “unifying” event.
The NPO admitted the decision would provoke “mixed emotions” in the country.
The EBU last month announced it would be updating the contest’s rules, relating to the countries which could host the event. Normally, countries are invited to host if their act has won the contest the previous year.
Under the new rules, broadcasters cannot host if their country is involved in armed conflict or a “sensitive geopolitical situation” that could affect the safety of the event.
Broadcasters will now “automatically be ineligible to host the contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region”.
Noam Bettan, representing Israel, performs during the 2026 Eurovision. Pic: Reuters
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The EBU said the rule changes had been made following feedback from participating broadcasters, and that the updates would provide greater clarity for artists and production staff.
Tensions surrounding the war in Gaza within the music industry have been heightened this month as Ed Sheeran was caught up in a media frenzy.
His Loop tour plans were derailed after support acts pulled out in solidarity with US rapper Macklemore, who was dropped following pro-Palestine comments he made during a show in New Jersey.
Sheeran has since apologised to fans for his handling of the controversy.
As the world’s largest live music competition, Eurovision is watched by millions around the world.
Next year’s competition is due to take place in Bulgaria in 2027 after singer Dara’s victory for the country in May.