Newsroom
Belgium has delayed a decision on whether it will take part in the next Eurovision Song Contest, as discussions continue over Israel’s participation and the rules governing the competition.
Belgian public broadcaster VRT was due to confirm its participation by September 15. Instead, it asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for additional time, with Belgian newspaper De Morgen reporting that the request was granted.
The issue centres on how Eurovision applies its rules concerning the political neutrality of the contest and the participation of countries involved in large-scale armed conflicts.
VRT has been pressing the EBU for greater clarity and transparency over the rules, particularly how the organisation maintains the contest’s stated neutral and non-political character while deciding which broadcasters and countries can participate.
The question has gained renewed attention because of Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest. VRT had raised the issue at an early stage, asking whether countries involved in major armed conflicts should be permitted to compete.
Belgium is not the only broadcaster seeking additional time. The Dutch public broadcaster has also requested an extension before deciding whether the Netherlands will participate.
The uncertainty has also prompted speculation over Belgium’s participation structure. Reports suggested that, if VRT were to withdraw, the country’s French-language public broadcaster, RTBF, could take responsibility for Belgium’s Eurovision entry.
RTBF rejected those reports, however. A representative told De Morgen that the claims were “false rumours”.
The dispute comes as the EBU faces renewed questions from participating broadcasters over how its Eurovision rules should be applied when political and military conflicts involve competing countries.
