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".