VRT receives an extension from the EBU regarding Belgium’s Eurovision 2027 participation while ongoing discussions take place.

Will Belgium be part of Eurovision 2027? As of now, the answer remains unclear. The Flemish national broadcaster VRT has yet to make a final decision regarding the country’s participation in the contest, even though yesterday, September 15th, was the official deadline for participation confirmation. However, VRT received an extension from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to continue discussions surrounding concerns raised by the Flemish national broadcaster, with the final decision expected to be announced at a later date.

According to VRT, the Flemish national broadcaster is in an ongoing dialogue with the EBU regarding issues it raised in the past. The talks between the parties have not yet concluded, which is why Belgium chose not to make a final decision regarding its participation in Eurovision 2027 at this stage

Discussions Focus on Israel and EBU Regulations

At the center of the dispute is the question of Israel’s participation in the contest. VRT is once again raising the question of whether a country involved in a large-scale military conflict can continue to participate in Eurovision as usual. In addition, VRT is asking the EBU to present more clearly and transparently the rules and criteria by which countries’ eligibility to participate in the contest is determined.

The discussion also brings back to center stage the question surrounding the nature of Eurovision as a neutral and apolitical contest, and the way the EBU applies these principles when participating countries are involved in international conflicts.

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Hesitations Extend Beyond Belgium

Belgium is not the only country that has yet to make a final decision regarding Eurovision 2027. The Dutch national broadcaster NPO also requested and received a postponement from the EBU regarding the decision on the Netherlands’ participation in the contest. Furthermore, Hungary received an extension for the registration deadline until December 7th, amid efforts by the European Broadcasting Union to bring it back to the contest following a prolonged absence since its last participation in 2019. In addition, Spain also received an extension and is reconsidering its return to the coveted competition.

Meanwhile, reports began emerging suggesting that if VRT decides to withdraw from Eurovision, the French-speaking national broadcaster RTBF might take over Belgium’s representation in the contest. However, RTBF was quick to deny this possibility. A spokesperson for the national broadcaster described the reports as “false rumors”, clarifying that there is currently no intention to take over Belgian participation.

The Hope For Belgian Participation

Currently, Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2027 remains completely open. VRT and the EBU are still conducting talks, and the fact that the national broadcaster received an extension allows it to continue discussions even after the official deadline.

Now, it remains to be seen what the outcome of the talks between VRT and the EBU will be, and whether Belgium will ultimately join the list of competing countries in Eurovision 2027 – or choose to forgo its participation.