Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros has pulled out of next year’s Eurovision song contest, arguing that the event can “no longer be considered neutral” given the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
In a statement on Monday, Avrotros criticized Eurovision organizers for failing to establish clear rules for countries involved in military conflicts, saying its continued participation was no longer consistent with the broadcaster’s values of “trustworthiness, independence and humanity.”
This year’s contest became embroiled in a series of scandals linked to Israel’s participation amid its continued military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. Five countries – Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia – boycotted the event in May in protest against West Jerusalem’s actions.
In April, more than 1,100 musicians and cultural workers, including Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Kneecap and Primal Scream, signed an open letter accusing Eurovision organizers of whitewashing what they described as “genocide” in Gaza. The contest was also accompanied by large pro-Palestinian protests in the host city of Vienna.
Nevertheless, Israel’s Noam Bettan came in second, combining the jury’s ranking and an audience score, prompting rumors about vote-rigging.
Avrotros did not mention Israel by name, but said that “geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a significant impact on the Contest” and have caused deep divisions around Eurovision.
Earlier this month, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, amended its rules and said that a winner would be automatically barred from hosting the next contest if it or its “immediate region” is affected by an armed conflict or “a sensitive geopolitical situation.”
The Dutch broadcaster said the changes “do not provide sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest has been restored.”
Avrotros Director-General Taco Zimmerman said Eurovision, originally founded to bring countries together, has become a “platform for division.”
The EBU said it had contacted the NPO – the Dutch umbrella organization for public media – over the issue. The NPO expressed its regret over Avrotros’ decision but said it was “too early to comment on the next steps at this point.” The Netherlands, one of Eurovision’s longest-standing participants, could still take part next year if another public broadcaster takes over the role played by Avrotros.
The EBU has applied a selective approach towards nations involved in military conflicts. It banned Russia from participating following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 but did not take any measures against Kiev or West Jerusalem.
Russia has meanwhile revived Intervision, a Soviet-era alternative to Eurovision touted by the Kremlin as a music contest reflecting more “traditional values.” The first modern edition was held in Moscow in September 2025, attracting singers from 23 countries, including China, India, and Brazil.
Organizers said Intervision’s mission was to foster “dialogue between civilizations based on the mutual enrichment of national histories and traditions.” This year’s Intervision is expected to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
About the Author
