As preparations now turn to Eurovision 2027 following Bulgaria’s win, Belgian broadcaster VRT has called for there to be open dialogue on Israel’s participation at the Contest.
VRT unlikely to participate if conditions aren’t met
Ahead of the Grand Final in Vienna earlier this month, Flemish broadcaster VRT asked for there to be an open discussion on the future of Israel in the competition. In a statement, Yasmine Van der Borght from VRT said that Belgium will unlikely take part in the competition if these needs are not met:
Today, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year. We expect the EBU to make a clear statement against war and violence and for respect for human rights.
Naturally, we want to discuss this with other broadcasters. But if the EBU’s position does not change, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year.
Belgium typically alternates between Flemish broadcaster VRT and Wallonian broadcaster RTBF for Eurovision. During Vienna, RTBF was in charge of the entry, while VRT only sent a news crew to cover the events of the show. Instead, the commentary team stayed in Belgium.
VRT claimed their issue surrounds how decisions are made regarding the Eurovision Song Contest. Yasmine explained:
We find it strange that there always has to be a vote first on whether a vote should take place, regardless of the subject.
We are asking for an objective framework like other international organizations have: what are the conditions for a country to participate, and what are not conditions? That is currently lacking.
VRT has not given any new indications as to whether they will take part in Bulgaria or not. A full decision will be made later this year.
Belgium’s Eurovision journey
Belgium was one of the debutant countries at the beginning of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1956. For the first edition, countries could submit two songs, and for Belgium that year, ‘Messieurs les noyès de la Seine’ by Fud Leclerc and ‘Le plus beau jour de ma vie’ by Mony Marc represented the nation. To this day we do not know the final results of Eurovision 1956. Belgium have taken part in 64 Eurovision Song Contests; however, they have only ever won once: in 1986 with Sandra Kim and the song ‘J’amie la vie’, scoring 176 points.
Belgium chose ESSYLA to represent the nation with “Dancing on the Ice” in 2026. Competing in the first semi-final, Belgium qualified for the final, placing 21st and earning a total of 36 points, all of which came from the professional jury.
Do you agree with what VRT is calling for? Are you hoping Belgium will end up withdrawing from next year’s show? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2027!
News Source: VRT
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU