Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has announced it will also withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate.
In a statement released this friday, AVROTROS said that “human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting.” The broadcaster stressed that it could “no longer justify Israel’s participation in the current situation, given the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza.”
Additionally, AVROTROS accused the Israeli government of interfering in the most recent edition of the Contest, claiming it was used “as a political instrument,” something the broadcaster says violates the apolitical nature of Eurovision.
AVROTROS highlighted the origins of the Song Contest in 1956 as a cultural project to unite people after war, built on values of peace, equality, and respect. The broadcaster said these values are incompatible with allowing Israel to compete under current circumstances.
“Participation by AVROTROS in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will not be possible as long as Israel is admitted by the EBU,” the statement read. “Should the EBU decide not to admit Israel, AVROTROS will gladly take part next year. Pending that decision, all preparations will for the time being continue as planned.”
AVROTROS’ declaration follows recent statements by broadcasters from Iceland, Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland, countries that also expressed their dissatisfaction with Israel's presence in the contest.
