The Netherlands will not take part in the international Eurovision Song Contest 2027, as the event can no longer be considered neutral. This is stated in a statement by the Dutch public broadcasting company AVROTROS.
"Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have a significant impact on the competition and lead to deep disagreements," the statement said.
AVROTROS emphasizes that during the previous year it called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to establish transparent rules for the participation of countries involved in military conflicts.
"However, the recently announced changes of the EBU do not give sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral nature of the Eurovision Song Contest restored. Therefore, participation no longer corresponds to the values of AVROTROS: reliability, independence and humanity," the Dutch broadcasting company explained.
AVROTROS added that the suffering in Gaza and restrictions on press freedom have intensified the controversy surrounding the contest in recent years.
"This was reflected, for example, in the decision of five countries not to participate in the 2026 contest, in the return of their trophies by former winners, as well as in an open letter from more than 1,000 musicians and cultural figures urging EBU to intervene," the Dutch broadcaster recalled.
AVROTROS CEO Taco Zimmerman stressed that the Eurovision Song Contest was originally created to unite people and countries.
"As a public broadcasting company, we remain true to our values. They guide us in everything we do, even when it means refusing to participate in an event that is very dear to us," Zimmerman explained.
As reported by EADaily, it became known earlier that Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The semi-finals of the 71st contest will be held on May 11 and 13, the grand final is scheduled for May 15 next year. Competitive events will be held at the newest sports and entertainment arena in Bulgaria, Arena Burgas, opened in 2023.
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