Overview
- AVROTROS announced Monday that it will not take part in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest on 15 May 2027 and has handed the question of Dutch representation to the umbrella broadcaster NPO.
- The broadcaster said international conflicts have eroded the contest's neutrality, citing severe human suffering in Gaza and restrictions on press freedom as reasons for continuing its boycott.
- The European Broadcasting Union expressed regret and said it will consult NPO and explore whether another Dutch public broadcaster can step in, while AVROTROS says recent EBU rule changes do not restore trust.
- The Netherlands could still appear at Burgas if a different member broadcaster accepts responsibility, but past offers such as Omroep Max have been withdrawn and no replacement has been confirmed.
- The decision follows multiple 2026 boycotts by public broadcasters, EBU rule changes to limit geopolitical influence and a marked drop in viewership, and it deepens uncertainty about the contest's reach and perceived neutrality.