Belgian public broadcaster VRT has confirmed it will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 in Bulgaria, according to an announcement made by the network’s management on Wednesday. The Flemish broadcaster informed the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of its decision following months of discussion regarding the contest’s geopolitical context and the ongoing debate over Israel’s participation in the event.
According to VRT managing director Frederik Delaplace, the decision to send a Belgian representative to the upcoming edition follows a perceived shift within the EBU regarding the event’s rules and values. Previously, the Flemish public network had threatened to withhold a candidate for 2027 unless organizers demonstrated greater openness.
VRT Cites Significant Rules Changes and Sanctions
According to VRT management, recent talks with the EBU and other public broadcasters have yielded meaningful policy adjustments. Karen Donders, director of public mission at VRT, stated that significant steps have been taken regarding voting regulations, judging criteria, organization, and sponsorship, noting specifically that the brand Moroccanoil is no longer a sponsor of the event.
“There will now be sanctions if it turns out that voting is manipulated, and if a country at war were to win, that country could not organize the festival the following year,” Donders explained regarding the updated framework.
Delaplace acknowledged that while the reform process remains unfinished, staying involved provides a better platform to shape future values than pulling out. “We see a breakthrough,” Delaplace said, adding that the fundamental question came down to whether to withdraw or remain involved to influence the event’s future trajectory.
Internal Labor Opposition and Political Criticism
The decision to participate has generated sharp domestic division in Belgium. According to a statement released Wednesday, the socialist trade union ACOD (CGSP) VRT announced it would work to block the broadcast of the 2027 contest on the Flemish public channel. The union called the participation decision undignified for a public service broadcaster, stating it demonstrated a lack of regard for democratic values.
Meanwhile, the ACV (CSC) union expressed regret over the choice but confirmed it would not boycott the broadcast. Carlos Van Hoeymissen of the ACV noted that his organization had always maintained a cautious stance on participating alongside Israel, calling it imprudent under current conditions.
Political figures in Flanders also voiced conflicting views. Flemish Minister of Media Cieltje Van Achter defended the broadcaster’s choice, noting that Eurovision remains an important international platform for artists and that the EBU had provided clear answers to legitimate questions raised by public broadcasters. However, Van Achter emphasized that the decision is not a blank check and that pressure on the EBU must continue.
Opposition politicians criticized the move. Groen MP Bram Jaques argued that VRT missed an opportunity to draw a clear red line in defense of human rights. Gwendolyn Rutten (Anders) labeled the public media’s position hypocritical, while Vooruit MP Katia Segers maintained that Belgium should abstain until the EBU adopts a clear stance on Israel’s participation.
Related reading