The Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster association NPO announced Tuesday.

NPO media director Jurre Bosman stated that Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division. After consultations with the board of broadcasters, the organization decided to forgo participation in 2027.

The move reverses NPO's September announcement that it would take responsibility for the Dutch entry following the withdrawal of regular broadcaster AVROTROS. NPO chair Jet de Ranitz noted that initial discussions suggested sufficient support for a return, but no suitable format emerged.

"We must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027," de Ranitz said. "Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being."

AVROTROS had pulled out in August, arguing the event could no longer be considered neutral amid divisions over Israel's participation and the Gaza conflict that followed the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. A ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

The Netherlands joins Ireland in skipping the 2027 contest. The event is scheduled for May in Burgas, Bulgaria, after Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 edition in Vienna.

NPO confirmed that Dutch public channels will still broadcast the semifinals and final with commentary, despite the lack of a Dutch entrant. The decision highlights ongoing debates within European broadcasters over the contest's neutrality.