Kathmandu— The Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS announced Monday it will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, citing concerns that the event has become politicized due to ongoing global conflicts and is no longer neutral. The decision follows a series of boycotts this year related to Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza, with several countries refusing to broadcast the competition altogether. AVROTROS stated recent changes made by organizers have failed to restore confidence in the contest’s independence.

Growing Concerns Over Neutrality

AVROTROS Director-General Taco Zimmerman explained that international conflicts are increasingly impacting Eurovision, eroding its traditionally neutral stance. “It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the Contest, undermining its neutral character,” he said in a statement. The broadcaster believes the competition has become a platform for division rather than a celebration of music and unity.

Recent Boycotts and Rule Changes

This year’s Eurovision saw boycotts from five countries – the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia – all protesting Israel's participation. Organizers responded earlier this month by announcing that any country involved in an armed conflict would be excluded from hosting the competition. However, AVROTROS deemed these changes insufficient to guarantee the contest’s neutrality.

Event History and Viewership Decline

Launched in 1955, Eurovision has a long history of launching international music careers, including those of ABBA, Celine Dion, Cliff Richard, and Olivia Newton-John. Despite its enduring popularity, this year's competition experienced a significant drop in viewership, attracting 131 million viewers – 35 million fewer than the previous year – likely due to the widespread boycotts.

Next Year’s Host City

Despite the controversies, next year’s Eurovision is still scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The city was selected after Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won this year’s contest in Vienna, Austria, with her song ‘Bangaranga’. This will mark the first time Bulgaria has hosted the event.

AVROTROS' decision adds to the growing pressure on Eurovision organizers to address concerns about political influence and maintain the competition’s long-held reputation for neutrality.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.