The Netherlands is not yet sure if it will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year, following the way the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) handled the controversy surrounding the Dutch entry, Joost Klein.
The Dutch broadcaster in charge of the Dutch participation in Eurovision, AVROTROS, announced on Thursday that it is undecided about taking part in next year's edition in a statement about the EBU's investigation into complaints about the unsafe atmosphere at the event.
"Until AVROTROS is confident that structural adjustments will be taken to put the artists and their musical message back centre stage, we are holding participation in the Song Contest under consideration," the broadcaster said in a statement on social media.
This year's Dutch contestant, Joost Klein, was disqualified before the final because of a behind-the-scenes incident with a camerawoman.
Joost Klein. Credit: Belga
The Dutch broadcaster said that "a lot has happened behind the scenes" at AVROTROS in the aftermath of the "disappointing outcome" of the Song Contest for the Netherlands.
"The investigation of the incident is still pending at the Swedish Public Prosecutor's Office. During this investigation, we can unfortunately not go into the details, the circumstances and the handling of this incident in a substantive way as this could affect the investigation," it added.
However, based on the information that is available, AVROTROS still believes Joost Klein's disqualification was "unnecessary and disproportionate."
‘Independent investigation needed’
The Dutch broadcaster said it is cooperating with the EBU investigation, but believes that a separate, "broader, in-depth and truly independent investigation is needed to address structural problems."
"Not only the working methods of the organisation in Malmö and the EBU, but also the independent role and mandate of the Reference Group (the committee of delegated participating countries), the rules, the appeal possibilities in case of complaints as well as the increased pressure on the artists and delegations should be the subject of an investigation by a recognised and independent agency."
They stressed that the Eurovision Song Contest is meant to connect countries and peoples through music and encourage mutual brotherhood, and the Netherlands is hesitant to participate until that is the case again.
This year's edition was won by Swiss Nemo with the song 'The Code,' meaning that next year's Song Contest will be organised by Switzerland, for the third time.
