Dutch Broadcaster AVROTROS Announces Second Consecutive Eurovision Boycott for 2027

Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has officially withdrawn from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the event's failure to maintain neutrality amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel's continued participation. This marks the second year the broadcaster has boycotted the event, following its absence from the 2026 contest in Vienna. While the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) recently implemented rule changes to prevent countries in armed conflict from hosting the competition, AVROTROS maintains these measures are insufficient to restore the contest's independent character. The EBU is currently in discussions with the Dutch umbrella organization NPO to determine if another broadcaster will represent the Netherlands in Burgas, Bulgaria, for the May 15 event.

// Background

Eurovision was founded in 1956 to unite Europe post-WWII. In recent years, it has faced increasing political pressure regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The 2026 contest saw a significant decline in viewership, falling to 131 million from 166 million the previous year, after multiple nations refused to participate or broadcast the event in protest of Israel's involvement.

// Key Developments

• AVROTROS withdraws from Eurovision 2027, labeling the contest a platform for division rather than unity.
• The boycott is a direct protest against Israel's participation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Bulgaria's 2026 victory with the song Bangaranga.
• Five countries including the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia boycotted the 2026 event, contributing to a viewership drop of 35 million.
• The EBU has introduced rules barring countries in conflict from hosting, but AVROTROS argues this does not address the neutrality of competing nations.