nuOct 3, 2026, 06:16

Netherlands no longer on Eurovision Song Contest board following boycott

The Netherlands has lost its seat on the Eurovision Song Contest's Reference Group after the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew from the competition. While the governing body is currently undergoing internal reforms, the Dutch representation has ended because the position requires an active delegation head.

The Netherlands no longer holds a seat on the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest following the withdrawal of the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS in December. Claudia van der Pas, the Dutch delegation head, previously held a two-year term on the governing body. Although she initially remained in her position following the broadcaster's departure due to a wildcard granted by the European Broadcasting Union, her status expired this past summer. Officials noted that these seats are specifically reserved for active delegation leaders, leading to her removal from the board.

While the Spanish representative Ana María Bordas continues to chair the committee, the EBU is currently working on significant reforms to replace the existing Reference Group structure. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has shifted its broadcasting responsibilities for the upcoming competition to the NOS, as AVROTROS has chosen not to air the event. The NPO is currently establishing an expert committee to determine the country's next selection process for its Eurovision entry.

Culture Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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