"It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division," says Taco Zimmerman, CEO of the television company Avrotros.
The Netherlands also boycotted this year's competition because Israel is still allowed to compete despite the war in Gaza, while Russia was immediately excluded when it attacked Ukraine.
Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also withdrew from the competition this spring, and the latter three countries did not broadcast the music competition at all.
