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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Mike Corder

Eurovision branded a ‘platform for division’ as major broadcaster confirms 2027 boycott

Eurovision Avrotros
  • Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 for a second consecutive year, labelling the event a "platform for division" due to ongoing tensions over Israel's involvement.
  • Director-general Taco Zimmerman stated that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest and undermining its neutral character, departing from its original aim of bringing nations together.
  • The broadcaster called on the European Broadcasting Union to set transparent rules for participating countries involved in military conflicts, arguing that recently announced changes do not restore confidence in the event's neutrality.
  • AVROTROS cited the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza and ongoing restrictions on press freedom as key drivers of the increasing divisions surrounding the song contest in recent years.
  • The decision leaves the public network NPO to decide on any future Dutch participation, following similar refusals to compete from broadcasters in Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain.

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