With the new Eurovision seaosn in full swing, more countries are revealing if they will be joining the party in Basel, with The Netherlands being the latest country to confirm its participation at Eurovision 2025.
Speculation on withdrawal
After it was revealed in August by Dutch media outlet RTL Boulevard that a decision on participation at Eurovision 2025 was incoming. After being given a delay until November 1 to decide their participation, AVROTROS has ended speculation over its potential withdrawal; confirming a Dutch presence in Basel. Speculation over a Dutch withdrawal from Eurovision arose following the country’s turbulent experience at Eurovision 2025.
Last year’s Dutch entrant Joost had originally qualified for the final, before being disqualified for what the EBU had considered inappropriate behavior towards a member of the production team. AVROTROS made several statements (1, 2) in defense of Joost and its belief that the actions by the EBU were “disappointing”. Speculation that The Netherlands would not be present in Switzerland continued following the decision by the Swedish prosecution services to drop the case against Joost for his alleged actions; citing a lack of evidence. In the wake of this decision, the broadcaster once again reiterated its objection to the EBU’s decision and its desire to see changes made to the handling of artists in the contest.
Upon the reveal of their participation, AVROTROS mentions that it is satisfied with the changes that are being implemented which include:
- Appointing a safety manager in the artist environment;
- Severely reducing behind-the-scenes filming;
- A ‘safe space’ for artists behind the scenes where they will not be disturbed;
- A crisis team consisting of representatives of the EBU, participating countries, and the organizing broadcaster, so that important decisions are taken democratically;
- Appointment of Martin Green as new Eurovision director to oversee these changes
Dutch plans for Basel
With the confirmation of their participation, AVROTROS opens registration for the Dutch entry for next year’s competition. Artists, composers, songwriters, producers, and record labels are invited to submit an authentic, distinctive and competitive song.
The registration is now open until Friday 22 November 23:59 CET, with interested parties able to send entries via ‘songfestival@avrotros.nlsongfestival@avrotros.nl’ More information about the procedure and conditions can be found here.
The Netherlands’ Eurovision Journey
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.
Who would you like to see represent The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025? 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 as we start our preparations for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: AVROTROS
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Rory Gannon 
Giwrgos Oiko