Netherlands: In spite of recent communication between AVROTROS and the EBU, participation in Eurovision 2025 is still up in the air

In a recent article on Basel’s selection as the host city for Eurovision 2025, Dutch public television asserts that the country’s participation in the competition is still up in the air, while confirming that during the previous two weeks, discussions regarding all matters of mutual concern have been held with the EBU.

The Netherlands was disqualified from the competition this year as a result of a complaint that a production worker had filed. When she attempted to take a picture of him, Joost Klein allegedly threatened her, based on what was reported by the media. In the end, the Swedish prosecutor decided to archive the case because of uncertainties and insufficient evidence.

Since then, Dutch public television has not confirmed its participation in the next contest, citing matters that require discussion with the EBU. Although it appears that the discussion has taken place, Dutch public television has not yet stated whether or not it participate in Basel in May of the following year.

The Netherlands’ participation in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is still up in the air. Artists are usually required to submit their entries to AVROTROS, the broadcaster in charge of the Netherlands’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, before the end of July. Nevertheless, because Joost Klein was disqualified from the previous edition, the submissions are still closed this year.

Following the events of this years Eurovision Song Contest, AVROTROS wishes to alter a number of the competition’s rules. In this regard, the broadcaster previously submitted a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest. AVROTROS and the EBU have talked as well in the past two weeks, but the Dutch broadcaster will not yet be in a position to provide a firm response on their participation in the event next year.

If the Netherlands does not participate next year, it will be only the fifth time in the 68-year history of the contest.

Dutch Public Television

By 15 September, public broadcasters  have a deadline to confirm their membership to the EBU. After then, they  have a window of time during which they can cancel their participation without incurring any fees. Subsequently, the list of participating countries is announced by the EBU, and withdrawals are now subject to a nominal punishment.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2025 developments!

Source: NOS