Brussels (QNN)- Belgium’s Flemish public broadcaster VRT has warned it may withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if organizers do not introduce a direct vote on country participation and adopt a clearer stance against war and human rights violations.
The broadcaster raised its concerns over the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest and over the lack of transparency in decision-making within the European Broadcasting Union.
VRT spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght said the chances of Belgium sending an artist next year remain “very slim” if the situation does not change. She said the broadcaster expects a clear commitment from the European Broadcasting Union against war and violence and in favor of human rights.
Van der Borght also called for a structured and objective framework that defines eligibility rules for participating countries. She said broadcasters currently lack a clear system and must first vote on whether a vote should even take place, which she described as problematic.
The dispute goes beyond Israel’s participation, according to VRT. The broadcaster argues that the Eurovision voting and governance system lacks consistent standards similar to other international organizations.
Tensions around Eurovision escalated last year when members of the EBU decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation. The decision followed internal disagreement and came during the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Several countries later boycotted the contest in protest.
This year’s edition recorded the lowest number of participating countries since 2004, reflecting increasing isolation for Israel.
VRT had already signaled its dissatisfaction last year, stating that the EBU was ignoring civilian suffering in Gaza and warning that future participation would depend on institutional reforms.
The broadcaster also objected to earlier rule changes introduced by the EBU, including a reduction in the maximum number of televotes per viewer. However, VRT said these changes did not address its core concerns.
As a result of the dispute, Belgian presenter Peter Van de Veire did not travel to Vienna this year and instead provided commentary from Brussels, while VRT’s news team remained on site for coverage.
International criticism of Eurovision’s pro-Israel stance has also grown. Several countries withdrew or reduced participation this year over Israel’s inclusion as it faces war crimes charges in the ICC and ICJ, while comparisons have been drawn to the 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Critics argue that the difference in treatment raises questions about double standards in international cultural events. The issue has drawn wider media attention, including reporting by The New York Times on how Israel has used Eurovision for as a soft power during the Gaza genocide.
