Belgian broadcaster VRT has been granted an extension by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to decide whether it will participate in Eurovision 2027, HLN reports.
VRT still in talks with EBU
The official deadline for broadcasters to confirm their participation in Eurovision 2027 was 15 September. However, VRT has not yet made a final decision and has asked the EBU for additional time.
Speaking to De Morgen, VRT confirmed that discussions with the EBU are continuing over concerns the broadcaster has previously raised.
“We are in dialogue with the EBU about the concerns we have previously expressed. Those discussions are still ongoing,” the broadcaster said.
VRT has therefore been given an extension, with its final decision expected at a later date.
Israel’s participation remains a concern
VRT’s concerns are largely connected to Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Flemish broadcaster has previously questioned how a country involved in a large-scale armed conflict can continue to participate in the Contest. It has also called on the EBU for greater clarity and transparency around the rules and criteria used to determine which countries are allowed to take part.
In May, VRT said that its chances of participating in Eurovision 2027 were slim unless the EBU changed its position. The broadcaster also called for an objective framework setting out the conditions under which a country can participate in the Contest.
VRT did not participate in Eurovision 2026, as Belgium was represented by RTBF, following the usual alternation between the country’s French and Dutch language public broadcasters.
Could RTBF take over?
There have also been reports suggesting that RTBF could take over Belgium’s participation if VRT ultimately decides not to compete in 2027.
However, RTBF has denied these reports. A spokesperson for the French-speaking broadcaster told De Morgen that they were “false rumours”.
For now, VRT remains in discussions with the EBU and has yet to confirm whether Belgium will participate in Eurovision 2027.
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.
What do you think of VRT’s decision to ask for more time? 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, Bluesky, and ZOOP for more information about Eurovision 2027!
News Source: HLN
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Tim J