The Netherlands will not take part in Eurovision 2027 after its public broadcaster NPO reverses its earlier plan to return. The broadcaster says the decision is driven by “sensitivities” connected to the contest’s current themes, referring to Israel’s participation.

NPO previously became involved after the Dutch Eurovision broadcaster AvroTros said it would boycott the event. In the new statement, NPO says it is stepping back and that NOS will provide coverage of the contest, while an independent panel is to choose a Dutch participant. Multiple outlets frame the withdrawal as part of wider boycotts of Eurovision linked to Israel’s role in the conflict in Gaza following the Oct 7 Hamas attacks.

While all accounts focus on the same withdrawal and rationale, coverage differs in emphasis: some highlight the Israel-related sensitivities and the broader boycott context, while others focus more directly on the NPO decision and the change in approach shortly after earlier confirmation of participation.