Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros said on Friday it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, arguing that the competition can no longer be regarded as neutral while a participating country remains engaged in a large-scale military conflict. The broadcaster did not name the country in its announcement.
Avrotros, which has been responsible for organising the Netherlands' participation in past editions of the contest, said the decision followed an assessment that the presence of a state involved in active hostilities undermines the event's impartiality. The broadcaster said it felt it could not in good conscience continue its involvement under those conditions.
The Eurovision Song Contest, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has long presented itself as a non-political cultural event aimed at bringing together broadcasters and audiences across the continent. However, the contest has faced recurrent debates over the extent to which geopolitical tensions spill into voting, participation and hosting rights.
Avrotros's withdrawal could leave the Netherlands absent from the 2027 contest unless another Dutch broadcaster opts to step in. The announcement also increases pressure on organisers and participating broadcasters to clarify how the contest will handle situations where geopolitical conflicts intersect with cultural exchange.
The EBU and other broadcasters involved in Eurovision had not issued immediate responses to Avrotros's statement. The development is likely to prompt discussions within the European broadcasting community about neutrality, participation rules and the future conduct of the contest amid ongoing international tensions.