Overview
- Avrotros announced on Monday that it will not take part in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest scheduled for 15 May 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- The broadcaster's director Taco Zimmerman said growing geopolitical tensions have undermined the contest's neutral, non‑political rules and called the event a "platform for division."
- The Netherlands had already boycotted this year’s contest in Vienna alongside four other long‑time participants such as Spain after disputes over Israel's participation and the Gaza war.
- Avrotros has informed the Dutch public‑broadcaster umbrella NPO of its decision, and the move affects a founding, five‑time winning country that has long played a central role in the contest.
- The withdrawal highlights a wider institutional test for the European Broadcasting Union as it considers rule changes on hosting and voting to limit politically motivated campaigns and preserve participation.