Music

Avrotros withdraws from 2027 Eurovision over neutrality concerns

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros exits the 2027 Song Contest, citing the event's compromised neutral status amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

BBC Arts 24 August 2026 Source: BBC Arts

Music: A collection of medals, each with a unique design and color scheme, arranged in a row on a wooden surface.

Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros has announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, stating that the competition can no longer be considered neutral while a participating country remains involved in a large-scale military conflict. In a statement released on Monday, the broadcaster cited a lack of clarity from the Eurovision Broadcasting Union regarding the assessment of which countries may compete. Avrotros added that severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza and ongoing restrictions on press freedom have contributed to increasing divisions surrounding the event in recent years.

The broadcaster's decision affects next year's contest in Burgas, Bulgaria, but does not necessarily rule out future Dutch participation. Avrotros noted that another public broadcaster could potentially take on the responsibility, as the country has several. This withdrawal follows the organisation's exit from this year's event in Austria, Vienna, which the Netherlands also boycotted after Israel were allowed to compete. Only Ireland and Sweden have won Eurovision more than the Netherlands.

Martin Green, director of the contest, stated that the EBU regretted Avrotros's decision but respected its views. Green added that the contest has always been a place to bring people together, celebrate diverse communities, and show that a better world is possible even in difficult times. The NPO, the umbrella organisation for Dutch public service media, said it was very sorry to hear that one of its broadcasters had pulled out once again, adding that it respects Avrotros's decision. The NPO also recognised that geopolitical tensions are having a divisive effect, stating that this has not been an easy decision for its colleagues. The organisation concluded it was too early to comment on next steps, adding that its members were currently deliberating on that.

'Platform for division'

Taco Zimmerman, director general of Avrotos, said the Eurovision Song Contest was originally created to bring people and countries together but was now a platform for division. Zimmerman stated it is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character. He said the contest has therefore become a platform for division. As a public broadcaster, Zimmerman added that his values guide everything he does, even when that means stepping away from an event that is very close to his heart. That is painful, as he would have very much liked to be part of the contest again next year.

However, Martin Green stated that the contest has always been a place to bring people together, celebrate diverse communities, and show that a better world is possible even in the most difficult times.

New rules

The recent amendment to the rules, meaning a country involved in an armed military conflict cannot host the next contest if it wins, was approved by the contest's governing body following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026. The rules state that winning countries will also be disqualified from hosting if a sensitive geopolitical situation affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region. Last November, following a failed attempt to have Israel suspended, five broadcasters announced they were boycotting the competition, including Eurovision powerhouses Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Despite the protests, Israel's Noam Bettan ultimately took second place with his song Michelle. It marked the second year in a row that Israel had taken the runners-up position. Although Israel will undoubtedly be seen as the target of the rule change, it will also affect Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted war since it was invaded by Russia in 2022. Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra went on to win Eurovision that same year, in a symbolic show of public support.