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The Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027 over Israel's participation, just a month after announcing it would return

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.

The Netherlands has made a second about-turn, withdrawing from Eurovision 2027 only weeks after Dutch public broadcaster NPO had confirmed it would rejoin the contest. NPO chair Jet de Ranitz pointed to "the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play" — a reference to Israel's continued inclusion — saying the country could not find "a suitable format" to justify participation. Eurovision director Martin Green called the withdrawal "deeply sorry," noting the Netherlands has been part of the contest since its very first edition in 1956.

According to NPO media director Jurre Bosman, Israel's participation "elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division."

The Netherlands was one of five countries — alongside Iceland, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia — that boycotted the 2026 contest in Austria over Israel's involvement in Gaza.

Separately, the BBC has begun its search for a 2027 UK act, with manager David May vowing to find "an outstanding current British act" rather than an unknown artist.

MoreMetroBBC announces major change about Eurovision 2027 UK actEvening StandardEurovision ‘deeply sorry’ as Netherlands pulls out of 2027 contestWashington TimesNetherlands backs out of Eurovision, citing ‘sensitivities’ over Israel’s inclusion
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