Story perspectives

Dutch Broadcaster Opts Out of Eurovision 2026 Over Gaza Concerns

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

AVROTROS, the Dutch national broadcaster, will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
The decision followed consultations with stakeholders, including the Israeli ambassador and Amnesty International.
AVROTROS cited Gaza's humanitarian issues, suppression of press freedom, and political interference in past contests as reasons.
The broadcaster said participating now would contradict its core values.
The NPO will keep the Eurovision contest accessible to Dutch viewers.

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Story summary

AVROTROS, the Dutch national broadcaster, will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
The decision followed consultations with stakeholders, including the Israeli ambassador and Amnesty International.
AVROTROS cited Gaza's humanitarian issues, suppression of press freedom, and political interference in past contests as reasons.
The broadcaster said participating now would contradict its core values.
The NPO will keep the Eurovision contest accessible to Dutch viewers.