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Published 12:25 27 Oct 2026 GMT
Updated 12:25 27 Oct 2026 GMT

According to NPO, the decision reflects lasting discomfort with the campaign to boycott Eurovision over Israel's continued involvement.
People in the Netherlands can still watch the contest on television, as broadcaster NOS will air it.
Meanwhile, despite the withdrawal for next year, an independent panel is expected to choose next year's representative.
This is the second year in a row that the Dutch will not participate, and for the same reasons.
The Netherlands sat out the 2026 edition of Eurovision over the same dispute, which is the participation of Israel.
Claude representing Netherlands performing on stage during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at St. Jakobshalle on May 17, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Credit: Getty Images
In spite of Netherlands not taking part, the Dutch broadcasting group NOS will still cover the contest from outside the competition itself.
And even though the country will not take part, an independent panel is now expected to pick next year's representative.
The Netherlands also sat out Eurovision 2026 after the EBU refused to suspend Israel from the contest.
It is not, as NPO confirmed on Tuesday 27 October 2026 that it will not select a Dutch act for next year's Song Contest.
NPO cited sensitivities around the ongoing campaign to exclude Israel from the contest.
This is the very same dispute that forced the Netherlands to skip Eurovision 2026.
Explore more on these topics:
Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will not have the Netherlands, following confirmation on Tuesday (27 October).
Broadcaster NPO has withdrawn from the competition, as a sign of protest for Israel's involvement in the contest.
Just a month earlier, the broadcaster said that the country would take part, however the U-turn now comes amid internal debate at the broadcaster.

This year, Irish artists have already been drawn into the same row.
As JOE previously reported, Irish acts who pulled out of Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
The row was addressed directly also by singer Aaron Rowe, in comments about the Zionist lobby and Ed Sheeran that put Ireland's own music scene inside the wider boycott debate.
As reported by Metro, NPO chair Jet de Ranitz explained the move.
"We are convinced that the Eurovision Song Contest belongs on public television, as one of the largest international cultural events centered on music, connection, and diversity," she said.
"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being," she added.


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