Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS pulls out of Eurovision 2027, citing loss of neutrality

AVROTROS declared it will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, arguing the competition can no longer be viewed as neutral while a participating country remains involved in a major military conflict. The Dutch broadcaster, long associated with the event, joined Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain in boycotting this year’s contest. Director-general Taco Zimmerman said the contest, originally created to unite Europe, now serves as a “platform for division” amid escalating international tensions.

AVROTROS called on the European Broadcasting Union to establish transparent participation rules for nations at war, but judged recent EBU changes inadequate. The statement cited the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing restrictions on press freedom as factors deepening the divide. Responsibility for any future Dutch involvement was handed to public broadcaster NPO, which has not yet commented.