Eurovision: VRT to broadcast analysis programme, debate on boycott in Flemish Parliament
The Flemish public broadcaster VRT will air an analysis programme ahead of the semi-finals and final of the Eurovision Song Contest. It is doing so to provide context for the controversial participation of Israel, which is accused of war crimes in Gaza, but is nevertheless permitted to send a contestant to the music festival. In the Flemish Parliament, a call for a boycott did not receive the necessary support.
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place this year in the Austrian capital, Vienna. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, has been under fire for some time for its decision to allow Israel to participate. This led to a boycott by several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia. Calls to boycott the song contest also came from within Belgium, amongst others from the trade unions of public broadcasters VRT and RTBF.
The VRT has now announced that it will broadcast a separate, explanatory programme for both the semi-finals and the final. “We will broadcast a 10- to 15-minute programme for each round, featuring live coverage and analysis by VRT NWS journalists,” explained Yasmine Van der Borght, spokesperson for the VRT. “In these programmes, we will put the Eurovision Song Contest into the right context, explain why this is not an edition like any other, and address the critical questions being raised both at home and abroad.”
In addition, VRT will provide analysis within its regular VRT NWS programming. “This will ensure viewers get the full social and international context,” stated Van der Borght.
Boycott proposal
The media committee of the Flemish Parliament debated on Thursday afternoon whether the Flemish government should call for the Eurovision Song Contest not to be broadcast due to Israel’s participation. That discussion took place following a resolution initiated by opposition member M’Hamed Kasmi of Team Fouad Ahidar, reported De Standaard.
However, the proposal stood no chance with the majority, and Vlaams Belang also voiced strong criticism. Opposition parties Anders, Groen and the PVDA did, however, support it.
The Flemish majority parties Vooruit and CD&V did declare themselves in principle in favour of a boycott. Nevertheless, Katia Segers of Vooruit rejected the proposal to call on the VRT to cancel the broadcast. “It is not for us to influence the VRT’s broadcasting schedule through resolutions, that is up to the CEO,” she stated. “I do, however, call on all members of the board of directors to make their voices heard in favour of boycotting the broadcast.” Gilles Bultinck of CD&V shared that view. “The outrage is justified, but this would set a dangerous precedent of political interference,” he said.
Belgium will be represented at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest by singer Essyla, with the song “Dancing on the ice”. She was selected by the French-language public broadcaster RTBF.
#FlandersNewsService | The draw for Israel for the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna © PHOTO Joe Klamar / AFP
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