Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS released a statement surrounding Eurovision 2024 and their future in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Disqualification of Joost Klein
The broadcaster’s statement touched on three subjects, the first being the ongoing investigation into Joost Klein. Klein was disqualified from the Eurovision 2024 final after an alleged incident with a crew member. AVROTROS’ statement states that the investigation is still publicly ongoing therefore they can not publicly discuss any details. However, they reaffirmed their belief that Joost’s disqualification was “unnecessary and disproportionate”.
EBU Investigation
The EBU announced that there will be an investigation into the events of Eurovision 2024. AVROTROS’ statement confirms that they will cooperate with the investigation but a “broader, more in-depth, and truly independent” investigation is necessary to address structural problems within the EBU.
The Netherlands’ Future at Eurovision
The last part of AVROTROS’ statement refers to the future of Dutch participation in Eurovision. It states that “until AVROTROS is confident that structural adjustments will be made to the artists and their music message back in the centre, we will keep participation in the Song Contest under consideration.” This suggests that a Dutch withdrawal from Eurovision is possible.
Netherlands’ Eurovision History
The Netherlands are one of the founding countries of the ESC, having performed the very first song ever on the Eurovision stage back in 1956. While the result of “De Vogels van Holland” is unknown, the Netherlands have garnered 5 wins, with their most recent in 2019. However, the Netherlands are also known to have had the longest ever non-qualification streak in the semi-final era – they missed out on the final a whopping 8 times between 2005 and 2012.
Joost Klein represented the Netherlands in 2024 with the song “Europapa”. While he was ultimately disqualified, he would have made it to the final, placing second in his semifinal with 182 points.
What do you think of AVROTROS’ statement? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news!
News Source: AVROTROS
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Rory Gannon