Dutch public broadcaster NPO assumes control of Eurovision selection after AVROTROS withdraws

The Netherlands returns to the Eurovision Song Contest, with the public broadcaster NPO taking charge of the selection process and artist guidance. A dedicated NPO team will oversee the choice of the performer, and one outlet will deliver commentary and live reports of the semi-finals and final. AVROTROS announced its exit, saying the event’s neutrality was compromised by the involvement of a country engaged in a large-scale military conflict and by the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

In talks with the European Broadcasting Union, the NPO emphasized restoring the contest’s founding principle of connecting Europe through music. The contest will be staged in Burgas, Bulgaria, and other nations such as Slovenia, Spain, Iceland and Ireland have also opted out of this edition.