Facing severe backlash and threats of a union strike over its Eurovision 2027 entry, Belgian broadcaster VRT defends its participation, claiming the EBU will address the Gaza crisis during the live broadcasts of Eurovision 2027.
Belgium’s decision to participate in Eurovision 2027 has sparked notable online discussion. Many who oppose Israel’s participation in the contest criticized the fact that Belgium did not join a boycott, despite the country never having withdrawn from the competition over Israel’s involvement. In a statement on behalf of the Flemish national broadcaster representing Belgium this year, VRT, delivered by Belgian commentator Peter Van de Veire, it was claimed that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will no longer “turn a blind eye” to the situation in Gaza.
In the statement, Van de Veire noted that steps have been taken that satisfy the Flemish national broadcaster, even if their broader goals have not yet been fully achieved. Outlining the network’s reasoning for participating, Van de Veire stated that the contest will no longer ignore the situation in Gaza:
“The Eurovision Song Contest will no longer ignore the situation in Gaza, not even during the broadcasts. The event has undergone a complete overhaul. There is now even talk of incorporating this issue into the program, to make it clear that they are not turning a blind eye to what happened there.”
The Belgian commentator’s remarks point to a potential mention of Gaza during the event, introducing a geopolitical topic into a contest that officially maintains an apolitical stance. Van de Veire added that discussions are currently taking place regarding the integration of the subject into the content of the contest to demonstrate to the audience that events are not being ignored.
Van de Veire continued:
“The EBU realizes that the time for change has come. For two or three years they denied everything. At least now they are engaging in dialogue. They even came to Brussels to hold discussions – albeit very late. Had they done this two years ago, we would have made greater progress. This isn’t just a passing storm; it is a massive crisis. They have acknowledged that now.”
The Flemish national broadcaster’s current stance follows months of public debate regarding its involvement. After previously opposing the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to compete, the network is now clarifying its reasoning for participating alongside the Israeli entry. The local commentator concluded his statement by emphasizing the network’s belief that the contest can unite people, as it did following World War II. This appeal to unity comes after the network’s past actions during the second semi-final of Eurovision 2024, when VRT interrupted the broadcast from Malmö with a political slide stating:
“Israel violates freedom of the press. Therefore, we are taking a temporary break from our broadcast. Now, a ceasefire.”
Union Backlash Follows Broadcaster’s Eurovision Decision
Alongside VRT’s announcement regarding its participation and the commentator’s statements, pressure has mounted from trade unions within the national broadcaster. Two main organizations – ACR VRT and ACOD VRT – have announced a strike scheduled for the dates of the Eurovision semi-finals and final. According to the union statement, they aim to protect all network employees who hold a “conscientious objection” to contributing in any way to the Eurovision broadcasts and related programming. In its message, ACR VRT stated it hopes the national broadcaster will reverse its decision, adding that if the network does not back down, union members will strike during Eurovision to allow staff to distance themselves from what the union termed a “bad choice.” The organization added that if the strike interferes with the smooth transmission of the broadcast, they will offer no regrets.
Internal Selection Confirmed for Belgium at Eurovision 2027
In addition to the employee strike, a report by VRT NWS – the official news outlet of the Flemish national broadcaster VRT – confirmed that the selection of the Belgian representative for Eurovision 2027 will be conducted internally by the network. This is not the first time Belgium has chosen its representative through an internal selection. In Eurovision 2026, the broadcaster internally selected Essyla, who reached 21st place in the grand final with the song “Dancing on the Ice”. The last national final held in Belgium took place in 2025, when the nation failed to qualify for the grand final.
Official Confirmation of Participation in Eurovision 2027
According to VRT, the national broadcaster has been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the European Broadcasting Union regarding issues raised in the past, with the primary point of contention surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest. VRT raised questions regarding whether a country involved in a large-scale military conflict can continue to participate in Eurovision as usual, asking the EBU to present a clearer and more transparent framework detailing the rules and criteria determining eligibility to compete.
The national broadcaster VRT released an official statement on social media:
“VRT will participate in Eurovision next year. VRT wants to give the EBU the opportunity to restore the original values of the song contest, such as connection, mutual understanding, and a desire for peace. However, last year the public broadcaster placed two demands on the EBU: a clear statement against war and violence, and a clear framework regarding which countries are permitted to participate. According to VRT, the EBU has taken significant steps regarding participation rules, voting and judging rules, and contest sponsorship.”
Frederik Delaplace, CEO of VRT, stated:
“Participation is in no way an endorsement or normalization of what is happening in Gaza and elsewhere in the world. We do not want to run away from the debate, but rather remain in dialogue with each other. In this way, we believe that the Song Contest can soon once again have meaning for everyone who is suffering from war and violence these days.”
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Last year, the French-speaking Belgian national broadcaster, RTBF, was responsible for the entry and was quick to dismiss the possibility of returning to Eurovision on its behalf. The responsibility then shifted to the Flemish broadcaster VRT, which has now officially confirmed its participation.
Belgium at Eurovision 2026
“Dancing on the Ice” is the song that was performed by the singer Essyla, who represented Belgium and finished in 21st place with 36 points in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 on May 16th, in Vienna, Austria. The song was written by Essyla herself, alongside songwriter Barbara Petitjean. The song is performed entirely in English.
Eurovision 2027: This will be Belgium’s 68th participation in the contest. Belgium joined Eurovision in 1956 as one of its seven founding nations. The country’s best result came in 1986, when Sandra Kim won first place with “J’aime la vie”.
