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AVROTROS Pulls Out of Eurovision 2027 Over Gaza War

8/24/2026

40 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

AVROTROS announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2027.
It cited Israel’s participation and the Gaza war as making the contest non-neutral.
Director-General Taco Zimmerman said conflicts increasingly undermine Eurovision’s neutral character.
AVROTROS transferred Eurovision duties to NPO, which may choose another Dutch broadcaster, while EBU director Martin Green expressed regret.

History

Historical Context

In March 1979, Milk and Honey won the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel. That same year, Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in the region (March 26) and the European Parliament held its first direct elections (June 7), reflecting shifting diplomatic and broader European integration dynamics that continue to influence contest politics today.

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Story summary

AVROTROS announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2027.
It cited Israel’s participation and the Gaza war as making the contest non-neutral.
Director-General Taco Zimmerman said conflicts increasingly undermine Eurovision’s neutral character.
AVROTROS transferred Eurovision duties to NPO, which may choose another Dutch broadcaster, while EBU director Martin Green expressed regret.

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