The Netherlands confirms participation in 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, the Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced on Wednesday. This decision follows the withdrawal of the broadcaster AVROTROS last August, which had cited concerns regarding the lack of political neutrality of the contest due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The 2027 event is scheduled to take place this coming May in the city of Burgas, Bulgaria.

In preparation for the return, the NPO stated that an independent committee of experts will oversee the selection process for the Dutch artist. During discussions regarding the country's return, the NPO held meetings with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). NPO Board Chair Jet de Ranitz noted that they have explicitly requested that the EBU refocus the festival on its original unifying character to address the current climate of geopolitical polarization. The EBU has reportedly implemented significant updates to the event's regulations in response to these concerns. The Netherlands was among five nations that boycotted the 2026 contest held in Austria over Israel's participation.