The Netherlands has officially confirmed its return to the Eurovision Song Contest for 2027. It plans to participate in Burgas, Bulgaria, after a one-year boycott. Meanwhile, Lithuanian broadcaster LRT has announced a multi-week timeline and format changes for its national selection process.
Dutch public broadcaster NPO stepped in to manage national participation after the previous organizer, Avrotros, withdrew over neutrality concerns regarding Israel’s military involvement in Gaza. Under a new internal structure, public broadcaster NOS will handle the broadcast coverage. An independent panel of experts will select the Dutch entry.
NPO chair Jet de Ranitz noted that participation evokes mixed feelings at home. She emphasized that the network asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to reinforce the unifying character of the festival amid geopolitical tensions. In response, the EBU updated its rules for the upcoming contest. These changes exclude countries involved in active armed conflicts from hosting and address political voting concerns.
Lithuania Announces EUROVIZIJA.LT Format for 2027
In the Baltic nation, LRT has begun preparations for the 71st edition of the contest. It opened submissions for its national final, EUROVIZIJA.LT, giving songwriters and music creators until November 11 to submit original tracks.
The national selection format will span five weeks in early 2027. Four semi-finals are scheduled for January 18, 19, 25, and 26. These will culminate in the grand final on Saturday, February 20, where Lithuania will choose its representative for the Burgas stage.
LRT announced that at least 30 songs will advance from the initial application pool to compete in the televised shows. A notable format update for 2027 requires audience members to vote exclusively online for their preferred song. These public votes will combine with scores from an international jury to determine the winner.
Burgas Prepares to Host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest
The 2027 contest will take place at Arena Burgas in Bulgaria. This follows BNT artist DARA’s historic victory in Vienna in 2026 with the song “Bangaranga.” The schedule features the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 11, the Second Semi-Final on Thursday, May 13, and the Grand Final on Saturday, May 15.
The Netherlands plans a careful return with an expert-selected act, and Lithuania is preparing a public-driven selection framework. Meanwhile, the EBU continues to finalize the complete lineup of participating broadcasters and event logistics ahead of the May events.
