Eurovision in crisis: Netherlands make U-turn and pull out of Eurovision 2027

The Netherlands will not participate in 2027's Eurovision Song Contest after all. NPO, the umbrella organisation for public broadcasters in the country, has reversed its earlier decision to return to the contest after Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS had announced in August that it would not take part because of Israel's presence in the line-up. The decision to return to the competition was met with widespread criticism and around 400 NPO employees signed a letter urging the organisation to reconsider its participation. In a statement, NPO's director Jet de Rynitz said NPO was unable to secure a broadcaster who would send a Dutch artist. NPO will still broadcast the event. Eurovision director Martin Green said he was deeply sorry that the Netherlands would not take part, but added that we understand their decision and we respect the strength of feeling behind it.