Wallonia- Brussels Urges RTBF to Rethink Eurovision 2026 participation

(MENAFN) Belgian lawmakers have urged the Francophone public broadcaster RTBF to reconsider its participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s involvement. According to reports, a motion was submitted to the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation on Thursday by members of the Francophone Socialist Party (PS).

The motion emphasizes that diplomatic and economic pressure is necessary under international law to help prevent genocide, describing a boycott of the contest as “symbolic but strong and necessary.” It further states that withdrawing would align Belgium with “international obligations aimed at avoiding complicity and tolerance in the face of genocide.”

Criticism was also directed at RTBF for making a “binding” decision on Belgium’s behalf “without consulting its board of directors,” with lawmakers urging the Francophone Community Government to intervene and seek a review of the broadcaster’s stance. While the government cannot directly overturn RTBF’s Eurovision decision, it appoints the broadcaster’s board members and therefore holds political influence.

At the Dec. 4 General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), members decided against voting on Israel’s participation, allowing it to compete in the 2026 contest. This decision led several countries to announce boycotts. On the same day, Flemish public broadcaster VRT stated that it would not participate next year, citing a continued push for “a clearer commitment to peace, human rights and compassion” within the EBU. VRT will, however, still broadcast the contest as a member of the organization.

Belgium’s Eurovision participation alternates between VRT and RTBF, and RTBF currently holds the right to select the Belgian entry. The broadcaster reaffirmed on Dec. 5 that it will take part in Eurovision 2026. Speaking on the issue, RTBF highlighted that the situation in Gaza and the safety of civilians and journalists remain its “top priority.”

“No cultural event or international competition can outweigh the obligation to protect civilians and journalists reporting from conflict zones,” RTBF stated. The broadcaster also stressed the urgent need to ensure safe access to Gaza for journalists, support independent Palestinian media, and safeguard the independence of Israel’s public broadcaster, adding that it would actively pursue these goals within the EBU.

MENAFN14122025000045017640ID1110477511