The EBU responds to AVROTROS’s Eurovision 2027 boycott, confirming ongoing talks with NPO over potential Dutch participation in Burgas.
The Dutch boycott of Eurovision 2027 has taken a new turn: Following the announcement by the Dutch national broadcaster, AVROTROS, that it will not participate in the contest to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has released an official response to the decision. The EBU expressed regret over the choice made by the Dutch national broadcaster, but emphasized that it understands the decision and respects the positions of its member broadcasters. At the same time, the EBU clarified that the story is far from over, noting that it will continue dialogue with the Dutch public broadcasting organization NPO regarding the possibility of the Netherlands participating in the contest despite the situation.
In response to the decision by AVROTROS, which announced it would continue to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 as well, the EBU expressed regret that the Dutch national broadcaster chose not to compete, while clarifying that it understands the choice and respects the views of the national broadcaster. The EBU emphasized that the Eurovision Song Contest has always been a space designed to bring people together, celebrate communities and diversity, and demonstrate that even in the most difficult times, a better world can be imagined.
However, the EBU has not closed the door on the participation of the Netherlands in Eurovision 2027. The organization announced that it will continue discussions with NPO, the umbrella organization for Dutch public media, regarding the possibility of another national broadcaster taking on the task of representing the country in the contest. The EBU even expressed hope that the audience and artists in the Netherlands will be able to take part in Eurovision, meaning that the absence of AVROTROS does not necessarily guarantee the absence of the Netherlands itself from the competition.
AVROTROS Refuses Eurovision Return Over Geopolitical Tensions
Jordi Versteegden, senior media reporter for the widely circulated newspaper De Telegraaf, initially reported that the Netherlands would officially return to compete in Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria, sending shockwaves across social media. Many hoped this marked the long-awaited return of the veteran nation to the Eurovision Song Contest, and perhaps even the end of the boycott. Despite these high hopes, in a sharp and critical statement directed at the EBU, the Dutch national broadcaster declared that it has no intention of returning to the contest in 2027.
Yesterday (Sunday), AVROTROS announced that it would maintain its boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest for the upcoming year as well. In its official statement, the Dutch national broadcaster claimed that the contest is no longer neutral, implicitly pointing toward Israel by noting that a country involved in a large-scale military conflict is still competing. The national broadcaster added that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East heavily impact the contest and bring extensive controversy alongside them.
In its announcement, the Dutch national broadcaster also referenced the new EBU rules, which state that a country experiencing a geopolitical or military crisis cannot host the Eurovision Song Contest if the EBU so decides. The Dutch national broadcaster stated that despite these regulations – which it had actively demanded the EBU introduce – it remains dissatisfied, deeming the implemented rules insufficient. According to AVROTROS, the new measures fail to restore neutrality and independence to the character of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Dutch national broadcaster concluded its statement by declaring that participating in the Eurovision Song Contest no longer aligns with the core values of AVROTROS: “credibility, independence, and humanity.”
Could Another Broadcaster Send the Netherlands to Burgas?
Although the statement from AVROTROS made it clear that it does not intend to return to the Eurovision Song Contest, it did not provide a definitive answer regarding the overall participation of the nation itself. AVROTROS is only one component of the Dutch public broadcasting system, and the Dutch public broadcasting organization NPO has the authority to change which national broadcaster handles Eurovision participation. This morning, alongside its announcement of non-participation, AVROTROS revealed that it is transferring responsibility for Eurovision participation back to NPO.
Now, NPO will determine the future of the Netherlands in the contest. The umbrella organization could select another national broadcaster willing to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest, meaning that despite the boycott by AVROTROS, the Netherlands may still return to the competition.
The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025
“C’est La Vie” is the title of the song performed by Claude, who represented the Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. The Netherlands qualified for the Grand Final after placing third in the first semi-final with 121 points. In the Grand Final, the Netherlands finished in 12th place with 175 points, with the jury awarding the country fifth place, but the public at home ranking it only 15th.
Eurovision 2025: This was the Netherlands’ 65th participation in Eurovision. The Netherlands joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won it five times over the years. The Netherlands’ last victory was at Eurovision 2019 with the song “Arcade” performed by singer Duncan Laurence.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
A writer and content creator in the field of Eurovision, a commentator with extensive expertise in the modern era of the contest. Adiel’s vast knowledge and familiarity with Eurovision are reflected in every article, ensuring professional and up-to-date content. He closely follows song releases and various Eurovision pre-events. Adiel has a fondness for cultures and new languages, which he discovered through his love of Eurovision. In his writing, he places great emphasis on professional commentary and a diversity of opinions.
