Belgium Eurovision Boycott Calls Intensify as Broadcasters Face Union Pressure

Brussels, Belgium – Just days before Belgium unveils its act for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, unions representing workers at the country’s public broadcasters, RTBF and VRT, are escalating their calls for a boycott of the competition. The move is fueled by concerns over Israel’s participation in the contest amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Union Demands and Protests

The unions ACOD and CGSP are urging both RTBF and VRT to withdraw from both competing in and broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, from May 12th to 16th. To demonstrate their resolve, the unions have placed wooden figures in the entrance hall of the broadcasters’ shared building, displaying a sign that reads “Boycott Eurovision.”

“This is the third year in a row that we’re campaigning for Eurovision,” stated Ilse Orbaen of ACOD-VRT. “The first year, we interrupted the broadcast with a sign, last year we found a partner in Oxfam, and this year we’re here together with our colleagues at RTBF, supported by a large civil society movement.”

Eric Tamundele from CGSP added, “This action is part of a larger, international project. Countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have already voted in favor of the boycott, and in other countries, such as Malta and Greece, unions are also taking action to block the broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest.”

International Boycott Movement

Belgium joins a growing list of nations facing pressure to boycott Eurovision 2026. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have already withdrawn from the competition in protest of Israel’s participation. Union actions are also reportedly underway in Malta and Greece to disrupt broadcasts of the event.

Belgium’s Unique Broadcasting System

Belgium has a unique system for its Eurovision participation, alternating responsibility between its French-language public broadcaster, RTBF, and its Dutch-language public broadcaster, VRT. RTBF is set to announce its artist and song for the 2026 contest on Thursday, February 19th.

Red Sebastian represented Belgium at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with “Strobe Lights,” achieving 14th place in the first semi-final with 23 points.

Contest Details

A total of 35 countries are currently scheduled to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.