The Newshound

Canada is to compete in Eurovision as five-time winner Netherlands joins Ireland in boycotting the 2027 contest over Israel

David May will lead the BBC's search for the UK's 2027 Eurovision act and song, with the chosen performer to be announced before the EBU submission deadline in March 2027.
David May will lead the BBC's search for the UK's 2027 Eurovision act and song, with the chosen performer to be announced before the EBU submission deadline in March 2027.

Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced on Tuesday that it would sit out Eurovision 2027, pointing to "sensitivities" around Israel's inclusion after internal divisions made agreement on participation impossible. NPO chair Jet de Ranitz indicated that a workable consensus had proved out of reach, despite early indications that a return could be feasible. Ireland has separately confirmed it will also absent itself from Eurovision 2027, while Spain and Slovenia face a December deadline to declare their positions.

NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel's participation 'elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division.'

The Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain all boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Canada is set to enter Eurovision 2027, the EBU has confirmed, as the contest reshapes around the ongoing boycotts.

MoreFirstpostEurovision boycott grows as five-time winner Netherlands pulls out of 2027 contest - FirstpostIrish IndependentCanada to compete in Eurovision as Ireland and Netherlands boycott over IsraelWashington TimesNetherlands backs out of Eurovision, citing ‘sensitivities’ over Israel’s inclusion
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