Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has announced it will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest next year if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allows Israel to compete.
In a statement released on Friday, the broadcaster said that Dutch participation “will not be possible as long as Israel is admitted by the EBU”.
It cited “the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza” and the “serious erosion of press freedom” in its call for Israel’s exclusion.
“Human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting”, it added.
The EBU, which oversees the competition, will make its final decision on whether to admit Israel in December.
Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026?
Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and Iceland have all announced potential similar measures over Israel’s continued participation.
Slovenia was the first country whose public broadcaster RTVSLO officially confirmed a boycott.
It was soon joined by Ireland’s RTÉ, who said participation “would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza”.
Spain’s Prime Minister and Culture Minister have both openly called for Israel’s removal, suggesting Spain’s RTVE should withdraw if not.
Iceland’s broadcaster RÚV called its involvement in 2026 “uncertain”, saying it is waiting until the EBU’s final decision in December.
The submission deadline for broadcasters is usually October but it has been extended to December as talks between the EBU and local broadcasters over Israel’s entry continue.
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Why are countries boycotting Eurovision?
European countries have become more vocal in their criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza in recent months, as accusations of atrocities and genocide against the country continue to grow in number.
Most recently, the International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution stating that Israel’s conduct amounts to the UN’s legal definition of genocide.
The EBU has been heavily criticised for allowing Israel to remain in the song competition given that Russia was excluded after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
A total of 72 former contestants signed an open letter to the EBU earlier this year calling for an end to this perceived double-standard and to exclude Israeli public broadcaster KAN and thereby its entry.
Whether this latest announcement by the Netherlands will encourage other countries to join the boycott remains to be seen.
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