The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 following a one-year absence, NPO announced on Wednesday. An independent team of experts assembled by NPO will manage the Dutch entry, while public broadcaster NOS handles event coverage, previews, and commentary.
Independent NPO team steps in as AVROTROS steps aside
NPO media director Jurre Bosman confirmed that the organization will select internal public broadcasting experts and freelancers to lead the delegation. No personnel from former organizer AVROTROS will participate. AVROTROS handed organizational responsibility back to NPO in late August, citing insufficient grounds for participation while Israel remains in the contest. Following that decision, most other Dutch broadcasters declined to take over, leading NPO to form a neutral task force. NPO aims to announce the 2027 Dutch contestant before Christmas.
Return follows 2026 boycott over Israeli participation
The Netherlands skipped the 2026 contest in Vienna, marking its first absence from Eurovision in 24 years. AVROTROS and four other national broadcasters withdrew last December over Israel’s participation. The broadcaster stated that competing was incompatible with core public values, citing political interference by the Israeli government, human rights concerns in Gaza, and restrictions on press freedom.
Next edition scheduled for Burgas, Bulgaria
With organizational structures now in place under NPO, the Netherlands prepares to rejoin the international competition. The next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in May 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria.
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