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Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 over Israel 'sensitivities' in dramatic U-turn, with Eurovision issuing an apology

Burgas, Bulgaria, the host city for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, which the Netherlands has now withdrawn from after NPO failed to find a substitute broadcaster willing to participate.
Burgas, Bulgaria, the host city for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, which the Netherlands has now withdrawn from after NPO failed to find a substitute broadcaster willing to participate.

Dutch public broadcaster NPO reversed its September pledge to return to Eurovision after around 400 of its own staff signed a letter demanding withdrawal, and every broadcaster in its network refused to supply personnel to help organise a Dutch entry. NPO media director Jurre Bosman confirmed Israel's participation "elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division" as the decisive factor. The 2027 contest is set for Burgas, Bulgaria, from 11–15 May, and will still air in the Netherlands via NOS with Dutch commentary.

Ireland has already confirmed a second-year boycott, and Spain's national broadcaster is also considering extending its withdrawal.

Hundreds of NPO staff condemned the original return decision for prioritising "an entertainment programme" over "countless human lives lost" in Gaza.

Eurovision director Martin Green said he was 'deeply sorry' but that the contest "matters in a divided world" and the spirit of unity "is what the contest has always been about."

MoreIrish Times‘We understand their decision’: Eurovision reacts to Netherlands pulling out of 2027 contestWashington TimesNetherlands backs out of Eurovision, citing ‘sensitivities’ over Israel’s inclusion in contestIrish IndependentEurovision ‘deeply sorry’ as Netherlands pulls out of 2027 contest
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