Politics & Governance
Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision over Gaza divisions
The Netherlands will not take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said Monday, saying the competition can no longer be considered neutral because of divisions over the Gaza war.
AVROTROS director-general Taco Zimmerman said international conflicts were increasingly affecting the contest and undermining its neutral character. The broadcaster said recent changes announced by organisers did not restore enough confidence in Eurovision's independence and neutrality.
Organisers recently said any country involved in an armed conflict would be excluded from hosting the competition. Eurovision has faced a wave of boycotts over Israel's participation, and Israel finished second in both 2025 and 2026.
Next year's contest is due to take place on May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria, after Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won this year's contest in Vienna with "Bangaranga".
The 2026 contest was watched by 131 million viewers, 35 million fewer than the previous year, after the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycotted it over Israel's participation. Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also refused to broadcast the show.
Update
Organisers recently said countries involved in armed conflict would be excluded from hosting Eurovision.
Next year's contest is due to take place on May 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won this year's contest in Vienna with "Bangaranga".
Israel finished second in both 2025 and 2026.
The 2026 contest was watched by 131 million viewers, 35 million fewer than the previous year.
The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel's participation; Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also refused to broadcast it.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 August 2026 at 08:27:24 UTC.
Update
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said the Netherlands will not take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest.
AVROTROS said the contest can no longer be considered neutral because international conflicts are increasingly affecting it.
AVROTROS director-general Taco Zimmerman said Eurovision had become a platform for division.
The statement did not name Israel, while noting several countries boycotted last year's contest over Israeli participation.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 August 2026 at 08:16:42 UTC.
Source
AFP news report published on .