AVROTROS and NPO<\/p>\n
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew from Eurovision 2026<\/a> after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided to allow<\/a> Israel to participate. AVROTROS had previously stated that it would not take part as long as Israel remained in the contest, citing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, restrictions on press freedom and political interference surrounding the previous edition of Eurovision.<\/p>\n Related storyBroadcaster AVROTROS won’t compete at Eurovision 2027<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n AVROTROS also decided not to return in 2027<\/a>, saying that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to have too much influence on the contest and that changes introduced by the EBU did not provide sufficient confidence that its independent and neutral character had been restored.<\/p>\n Following the decision, AVROTROS handed responsibility for the Dutch participation back to NPO.<\/p>\n NPO<\/p>\n NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep) is the governing body of the Dutch public broadcasting system. It coordinates the country\u2019s public broadcasters and distributes programming across the national public television, radio and online services.<\/p>\n The Dutch public broadcasting system currently consists of 13 broadcasters:<\/p>\n Nine member-based broadcasters: AVROTROS, BNNVARA, EO, HUMAN, KRO-NCRV, MAX, PowNed, VPRO and WNL.Two task broadcasters: NOS and NTR.Two provisional broadcasters: Ongehoord Nederland (ON!) and Omroep Zwart.<\/p>\n AVROTROS has been responsible for the Netherlands\u2019 participation in the Eurovision Song Contest from 2014 until 2026.<\/p>\n NPO has since held talks with the EBU and says the organisation has taken important steps regarding the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest. According to NPO, the changes came partly as a result of critical public broadcasters engaging in discussions with the EBU.<\/p>\n NPO says it has agreed with the EBU that the original purpose of the contest should once again be placed at its centre.<\/p>\n Jet de Ranitz, Chair of the Board at NPO, says:<\/p>\n \u2013 We understand that taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest gives rise to mixed feelings in the Netherlands. We have explicitly asked the EBU to make the unifying character of the contest a central part of the event once again, in recognition of a time of geopolitical unrest, war and polarisation.<\/p>\n Related storyThe Netherlands withdraws from Eurovision 2026<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n She continues:<\/p>\n \u2013 We are seeking that connection again now, by taking account of what is happening in the world, but by making room for a conversation about it. To help shape and carry forward that direction, we as Dutch public broadcasting want to be part of the Eurovision Song Contest again. That way we can truly live up to \u2018United by Music\u2019 together.<\/p>\n New structure for the Dutch participation<\/p>\n From 2027, the responsibility for the Dutch entry and the coverage of Eurovision will be separated.<\/p>\n Previously, one broadcaster was responsible for both. The Dutch entry will now become a joint project of the country\u2019s public broadcasters, coordinated by NPO. An independent team will be established to select and support the Dutch act, making use of existing expertise within the public broadcasting system where possible.<\/p>\n It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular.Jurre Bosman, Director of Media at NPO<\/p>\n NOS, the Dutch public broadcaster responsible for news and major events coverage, has been asked to provide the preview, coverage and commentary for Eurovision 2027. NOS will not be responsible for the Dutch entry itself, allowing it to continue covering Eurovision independently and impartially.<\/p>\n Jurre Bosman, Director of Media at NPO, says:<\/p>\n \u2013 It is important that, as a public broadcaster, we remain part of this unifying European event at this moment in particular, an event that wants to take serious steps towards a format that better reflects the times we live in.<\/p>\n \u2013 It also means we are responding to the wishes of hundreds of thousands of Dutch Eurovision fans, and that is ultimately what we are here for as a public broadcaster.<\/p>\n The Netherlands\u2019 artist for Eurovision 2027 will be announced at a later date. Eurovision 2027 will be broadcast in the Netherlands on NPO 1 and NPO Start.<\/p>\n ADDED 23 September 2026, 15:41 CEST<\/p>\n EBU Statement<\/p>\n We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands back to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.<\/p>\n 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 \u2018United by Music\u2019.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With that in mind, we are very happy that the Netherlands is once again joining the Eurovision family on stage in Burgas next May.<\/p>\n Martin Green CBE, Director Eurovision Song Contest<\/p>\n Source: EBU<\/a><\/p>\n The Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest <\/a><\/p>\n The Netherlands has historically been one of the 10 most successful Eurovision countries.<\/p>\n Netherlands 1957: Corry Brokken – “Net Als Toen”<\/p>\n They have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 65 times since their debut in 1956, with five victories:<\/p>\n Netherlands 1957: Corry Brokken – “Net Als Toen”<\/p>\n The Netherlands came last in the contest 5 times: 1958<\/a>, 1962<\/a>, 1963<\/a>, 1968<\/a> and 2011<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Netherlands](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/netherlands-avrotros_t.jpg\" "\\"Netherlands")
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