CD&V urges Belgium to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation.
Flemish Christian-democratic political party in Belgium, CD&V, have called on the Flemish government, and Belgium’s broadcasters VRT and RTBF, to withdraw from next years Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s participation.
Consistency is key
Flemish Parliament member Gilles Bultinck believes that Israel no longer has a place in Eurovision, and that they should be banned from the contest, just as Russia was in 2022.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it was decided to ban Russia from the Eurovision Song Contest. That was undoubtedly the right decision at the time. The same consistent approach must be taken for all countries that deliberately violate international law and human rights on a massive scale. Israel therefore no longer has a place in the Eurovision Song Contest.”
According to Belgian newspaper HLN, CD&V not only wants Belgian broadcasters VRT and RTBF to withdraw from Eurovision 2026, but also calls on other broadcasters throughout Europe to send a clear message that Israel cannot participate in the contest, something that Butnick echoes:
“More and more countries are turning their backs on the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s participation. And rightly so. In this way, Israel is hijacking a thoroughly European national festival. We can’t tolerate that, can we? This must not be the end of a long-standing and beautiful tradition for and by Europeans. We assume that the Eurovision Song Contest will go ahead next year, but without Israel. That is the only right decision.”
Final decision in December
At the present time, Belgium have confirmed their participation in Eurovision 2026, and RTBF have confirmed that preparations for next years contest are ongoing, with decision made about a potential withdrawal from next years contest being made in December. Axelle Pollet, spokesperson for the French-language broadcaster, has said: “RTBF is continuing its preparations. The final decision will be made in December, after the EBU General Assembly, based on the decisions taken regarding the organization of the contest.”
Broadcasters speak out!
In the past week, RTÉ of Ireland and AVROTROS of The Netherlands have confirmed that they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, with RTÉ also saying they would not even broadcast the contest. In addition to this, Slovenia and Iceland have hinted at a possible withdrawal if Israel participates, whilst the Spanish Minister of Culture has called on Spain to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s participation.
VRT were responsible for Belgium’s Eurovision participation this year, and the national final they put on saw Red Sebastian win and take “Strobe Lights” to Eurovision 2025 in Basel. Despite being a big favourite to qualify, Belgium ultimately missed out on a spot in the final, finishing in 14th place in semi final 1.
Do you think we will see Belgium participating in Eurovision 2026 or not? Do you think we will see anymore countries debating their Eurovision 2026 participation or not? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Source: hln.be
