The Netherlands will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after all, it has been revealed.
Earlier this year, The Netherlands’ national broadcaster Avrotros announced it was withdrawing from Eurovision in protest over Israel’s involvement, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
When it was confirmed that Israel was once again being invited to compete in next year’s song contest, Avrotros said that, for the second year running, it would not be participating, indicating that the country would not be involved.
However, another Dutch broadcaster has since picked up the responsibility of handling Eurovision on behalf of The Netherlands.
Eurovision director Martin Green said in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands back to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
“We value the constructive conversations we have had with NPO and look forward to working together to reinforce the Contest as a place that truly reflects the spirit of ‘United By Music’.”
He added: “The Netherlands took part in the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Its founding purpose then remains as relevant today as ever. In a world that is increasingly divided, the Eurovision Song Contest provides a unique space for people and countries to come together through music, share in a common experience and find connection.
“With that in mind, we are very happy that the Netherlands is once again joining the Eurovision family on stage in Burgas next May.”
Earlier this year, The Netherlands was one of five countries to pull out of Eurovision due to Israel’s involvement, alongside Spain, Slovenia and Iceland.
A decision on Spain and Slovenia’s participation in 2027 is yet to be decided, while Ireland has confirmed that it will not be competing next year.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s broadcaster VRT recently claimed that “chances are slim” that it would “send an artist next year”, but confirmed on Wednesday that it had made a u-turn.
“VRT has noticed that the EBU is now taking its members’ concerns seriously and is making work of the future of the contest,” a VRT rep claimed.
Eurovision will take place in Bulgaria for the first time in 2027, following Dara’s triumph at this year’s event back in May.
