Netherlands to rejoin Eurovision after 2026 boycott

The Netherlands, which did not take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, will return to the competition next year when it is held in Bulgaria.

The Netherlands has confirmed it will return to the Eurovision Song Contest after skipping this year’s edition, with plans to participate at next year’s contest in Bulgaria.

The country did not take part in the current contest following a decision to sit out the 2026 event. Dutch organisers have said the nation will be represented when the competition moves to Bulgaria for the following edition.

Eurovision is an annual event that typically draws participants from across Europe and beyond; host duties rotate to the country that won the previous year. The Netherlands’ absence this year was notable among long-standing participants, and its planned return restores full participation from the country for the next contest.

No detailed information has yet been released about how the Netherlands will select its entrant or what timetable will be followed ahead of the contest in Bulgaria. Broadcasters, artists and fans will be watching for announcements on selection procedures and the identity of the Dutch entry as preparations progress.