NPO to broadcast Eurovision 2026 despite Netherlands’ withdrawal

Public broadcaster NPO will air the Eurovision Song Contest in May on NPO 1, even though the Netherlands will not take part in the 2026 edition in Vienna, the broadcaster announced on Friday.

AVROTROS, the organization responsible for the Netherlands’ Eurovision participation, announced on Thursday that it would withdraw from next year’s competition after it was reported that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will allow Israel to be a part of the event. AVROTROS said it was withdrawing due to “severe humanitarian hardship in Gaza, restrictions on press freedom, and political meddling during the previous Song Contest.”

The NPO has asked NOS Events and the NTR to handle the broadcasts of the Song Contest next May,” the broadcaster said. “Both NOS Events and NTR believe that covering this international event fits their public mandates, and after thorough consultation, they agreed to work together to provide independent, neutral, and journalistic coverage of this cultural occasion.” More information about the final format will follow in the spring.

AVROTROS expressed support for NPO’s plan to air the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, despite its decision to withdraw from the competition. A spokesperson said Thursday’s announcement that AVROTROS would not broadcast the event means coverage will now be handled by NOS and NTR. “We understand the NPO’s choice to ensure Dutch viewers can still watch the Song Contest next year. That’s welcome news for the many fans,” the spokesperson noted.

Following the decision to allow Israel to participate, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have also announced their withdrawal from the contest.

2026 will be the first year since 1991 that the Netherlands intentionally opts out of the Song Contest, and the first occasion motivated by political considerations.