Eurovision News 
The Netherlands 
Duncan Laurence, the Netherlands’ Eurovision 2019 champion, has voiced his understanding regarding broadcaster AVROTROS’s decision to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. While finding the move regrettable, Laurence acknowledges the significant changes the contest has undergone since his victory. This marks the second consecutive year of absence for AVROTROS, citing concerns over the event’s neutrality.
Speaking on the NPO 1 talk show ‘Eva’, Duncan Laurence, who brought the Eurovision trophy home to the Netherlands in 2019 with ‘Arcade‘, shared his perspective on the recent announcement. He admitted that he no longer recognises the event he once won, stating:
I don’t see the same Eurovision Song Contest as I did when I won. There’s a completely different atmosphere now. For me, the Eurovision Song Contest was a commitment.
He further elaborated that the connecting aspect, which was central to the contest for him, is increasingly absent.
Duncan continues to comment regarding AVROTROS’s choice:
I feel like: can’t it change entirely and become more fun? But I do understand.
The moment the commitment for which the Song Contest is organized in the first place isn’t there… Well, then perhaps that choice has to be made.
AVROTROS recently confirmed its decision not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, extending its absence after also withdrawing from Eurovision 2026. The Dutch broadcaster cited concerns that the event can no longer be considered neutral, particularly with a participating country involved in a large-scale military conflict. This stance reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which AVROTROS believes have significantly impacted the contest and led to deep divisions.
The broadcaster had previously called upon the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to establish transparent rules for the participation of countries involved in military conflicts. However, AVROTROS stated that recently announced changes by the EBU did not provide sufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Eurovision Song Contest had been restored. Consequently, they concluded that participation was no longer consistent with their values of trustworthiness, independence, and humanity.
Following their withdrawal, AVROTROS has returned the responsibility for Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest to the Dutch public broadcasting organisation, NPO. The NPO will now deliberate on how to proceed for the 2027 contest.
The Netherlands is yet to decide if it will compete at Eurovision 2027 or not.
