Netherlands to reconsider future Eurovision participation

The Netherlands is set to put their future Eurovision participation "under consideration," according to the Netherlands broadcaster Avrotros, following the disqualification of the Dutch act Joost Klein during the 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden.

Klein was unable to perform his song 'Europapa' earlier this in Eurovision 2024 under the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after he reportedly made verbal threats to a female production worker.

"The Eurovision Song Contest was created to connect countries and peoples through music and to encourage mutual brotherhood. This should be the starting point for the organisers and all participating countries", said Avrotros in a statement.

"Until Avrotros is confident that structural adjustments will be made to the artists and their musical message back in the centre, we will keep participation in the song contest under consideration."

The broadcaster added that they felt the disqualification of Klein "was unnecessary and disproportionate" given the Swedish police investigation and previous statement that said the incident would be brought to court.

Avrotros claimed that while they will work with the EBU's review, "a broader, more in-depth, and truly independent investigation is needed to address structural problems."

The broadcaster also stated that there is an  "increased pressure on the artists and delegations in the run-up to and during the song contest" and that this "should be the subject of an investigation by a recognised and independent research agency".