The AvroTros will definitely keep our country away from the Eurovision Song Contest next year. The broadcaster’s bosses do not want to participate in a song festival in which Israel also participates. “Not at all costs.”
A few bosses at the top of AvroTros have decided that the Netherlands will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year, because they are anti-Israel. “Under the current circumstances, participation is not compatible with the public values that are essential to us. The decision was taken in close consultation with the NPO,” it said.
AvroTros stays away
The AvroTros indicated in September that the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, the suppression of press freedom and the political interference during the last edition of the Eurovision Song Contest are not compatible with values that are ‘fundamental’ for the broadcaster. “Reliability, independence and humanity are our compass.”
Israel will participate in the upcoming edition. “The situation in Gaza remains extremely worrying and vulnerable. It is currently too early to speak of a substantial, stable improvement that justifies participation in the Eurovision Song Contest based on our values.”
One night of ice cream
Taco Zimmerman, general manager of AvroTros, has made a well-considered decision to deprive Dutch fans of this pleasure. “This has not been an easy decision, and we did not make it overnight. The Eurovision Song Contest is very valuable to us. Culture connects, but not at all costs.”
He continues: “What happened last year touches our borders. Universal values such as humanity and a free press have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable for us.”
Not on TV
The AvroTros will not broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. “The NPO will ensure that the Eurovision Song Contest remains available to Dutch viewers and fans next year.”
It is unclear whether the song festival will disappear completely from the broadcaster so that another party can take over.