The French-language broadcaster, RTBF, has announced that Belgium will participate in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (Austria) in 2026. They confirmed this in a press release. VRT, the Flemish-language part of Belgium, had already announced that they would broadcast the song contest, including the necessary coverage.
RTBF says that its participation is contingent on a “clear stance” on the protection of citizens and journalists.
Yesterday, organiser European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that Israel, despite its role in the war in Gaza, will be allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after all. The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia immediately decided to withdraw, but Belgium will not be doing so.
However, several politicians from parties like Vooruit, CD&V and Groen had called for a strong signal to be sent and for the Belgian entry to be withdrawn.