Eurovision faces fresh scrutiny as the Netherlands withdraws over Gaza tensions

Earlier in August, Eurovision announced that countries involved in armed conflict would not be considered for hosting the competition.

The Netherlands will maintain its refusal to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, the Dutch public broadcaster announced, citing what it considers the contest's lack of neutrality and Israel's participation.

The Netherlands will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster has said, adding that the event can “no longer be considered neutral” given divisions over the Gaza war. “It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character.

The 2026 competition was watched by 131 million viewers, down 35 million on the year before after five countries boycotted it over Israel's participation.