Netherlands makes U-turn over Eurovision 2027 participation

The Netherlands has pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, with public broadcaster NPO citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation - reversing a previous decision to take part.

The Netherlands and four other countries boycotted this year's event, after Dutch network Avrotros pulled out.

Avrotros said it would also not take part next year, but NPO, which oversees public broadcasting in the country, stepped in and pledged last month that the country would return in 2027.

However, NPO's media director Jurre Bosman said on Tuesday that "Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division", and NPO "has decided to forgo participation in 2027".

NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the organisation had held discussions with broadcasters about participating next year.

"In those discussions, we initially felt there was sufficient support to return. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a suitable format for this.

"As a result, we must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.

"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being."

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