VRT, the Dutch-language Belgian national broadcaster, have announced participation is currently unlikely, ahead of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.

Without a direct vote on Israel from the EBU, VRT revealed participation at the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest would be unlikely. Yasmine Van der Borght, VRT’s Spokesperson, had the following to say, ahead of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final:

“Today, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year. We expect the EBU (the association of European public broadcasters that organises the festival) to make a clear statement against war and violence and for respect for human rights.

Therefore, we are asking for a clear framework for participation, an open debate, and a direct vote among EBU members. So far, we have received an insufficient response to this. Even during the semi-finals this week, we received no signal that the EBU is hearing our concerns.

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.

We ask for the objective framework like other international organisations have: what are the conditions for a country to participate and what are not conditions? That is currently lacking.”

It is currently unknown that if VRT withdraw from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, whether or not if RTBF, the French-language Belgian national broadcaster, will participate in their place.

Let us know what you think about Belgium and the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix