Eurovision 2027: Countries Withdraw Amid Israel Dispute

Eurovision 2027 will take place in Bulgaria next May without the Netherlands and Ireland, after both countries confirmed they would not participate amid continuing disagreements over Israel's involvement in the competition.

The latest development came on Tuesday 27 October, when Dutch public broadcasting organisation NPO reversed its earlier decision to return to Eurovision. Ireland had already confirmed its withdrawal, while Spain, Iceland and Slovenia have also been considering their positions following their absence from the 2026 contest.

The decisions reflect wider disagreements about the relationship between international entertainment events and political conflicts, particularly the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Why Has the Netherlands Withdrawn From Eurovision 2027?

The Netherlands had originally planned to return to Eurovision in 2027 after joining Ireland, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia in boycotting the previous competition.

However, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS declined to organise an entry because of concerns surrounding Israel's participation. NPO subsequently explored alternative arrangements, initially believing there was sufficient support for the country's return.

Following discussions with other broadcasters, NPO was unable to find an organisation willing to take responsibility for a Dutch entry. The decision came amid considerable public and internal opposition to returning while the dispute remained unresolved.

NPO has now confirmed that the Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision 2027, although the competition will still be broadcast to Dutch audiences.

The withdrawal is particularly significant because the Netherlands was among Eurovision's founding countries in 1956 and has maintained a long association with the event.

Ireland Confirms Second Consecutive Withdrawal

Ireland has also confirmed that it will not compete in Eurovision 2027, extending its absence for a second consecutive year. National broadcaster RTÉ cited the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, civilian deaths and restrictions preventing independent international journalists from accessing the territory.

The broadcaster has also confirmed that it will not televise the competition, maintaining the position it adopted for Eurovision 2026.

Ireland's absence means one of Eurovision's most successful nations, with seven victories since joining in 1965, will remain outside next year's contest.

Spain, Iceland and Slovenia Consider Their Positions

Other European broadcasters are continuing to consider their involvement after withdrawing from Eurovision 2026.

In Spain, RTVE president José Pablo López has recommended extending the country's absence into 2027. However, the broadcaster's governing board must make the final decision, meaning another Spanish withdrawal has not yet been formally confirmed.

Iceland's public broadcaster RÚV has also faced discussions about participation, with six of its nine board members supporting a continued boycott unless Israel is excluded. The final decision remains with the broadcaster's management.

Slovenia, which also withdrew from the 2026 competition, has yet to confirm its position for next year, with political considerations and financial pressures contributing to the discussion.

Separately, Czechia has announced that it will not participate in Eurovision 2027 because of financial pressures facing its public broadcaster. Its withdrawal is unrelated to the disagreement surrounding Israel and should not be treated as part of the political boycott.

Why Has Israel's Participation Become an Issue?

The disagreement surrounding Eurovision follows the conflict in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military response.

The conflict has resulted in extensive civilian suffering and loss of life, prompting several European broadcasters to question whether participation alongside Israel is appropriate under the current circumstances.

Those supporting withdrawal have cited humanitarian concerns, while Eurovision organisers continue to emphasise the importance of bringing audiences together through music and creativity.

The European Broadcasting Union has introduced changes intended to strengthen voting safeguards and address concerns about outside influence, although these measures have not resolved the disagreements between participating broadcasters.

It is also important to distinguish between national broadcasters, governments and individual performers. Eurovision entries are organised through participating broadcasters, and artists should not automatically be held responsible for the policies or actions of their governments.

How Has Eurovision Responded?

Eurovision director Martin Green expressed disappointment following the Netherlands' announcement while acknowledging that opinions surrounding the competition remain deeply divided.

He recognised that broadcasters must consider the views of their audiences and communities when making participation decisions, while reiterating the EBU's belief that Eurovision provides an opportunity for people from different countries to connect through music and shared experiences.

The organisation has confirmed that it respects the Netherlands' decision and hopes to welcome the country back when circumstances allow. Despite the disagreements, the EBU remains committed to delivering Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria.

What Happens to Eurovision 2027 Now?

Eurovision 2027 remains scheduled to take place at Arena Burgas following DARA's victory for Bulgaria with Bangaranga at the 2026 competition in Vienna.

The first semi-final will take place on Tuesday 11 May, followed by the second semi-final on Thursday 13 May and the grand final on Saturday 15 May 2027.

The final list of participating countries has not yet been announced, with further decisions expected as national broadcasters complete their preparations.

For now, the Netherlands and Ireland have confirmed their absence, while other countries continue considering their involvement. The EBU has acknowledged the differing views surrounding the competition and reiterated its commitment to bringing audiences together through music.

Further announcements and confirmed participation details will be available through the official Eurovision Song Contest website.