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Belgian lawmakers push for eurovision boycott over Israel’s participation
Belgian lawmakers from the PTB and Ecolo parties are urging the country’s public broadcasters to pull out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest at the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to compete despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
PTB parliamentarian Nabil Boukili condemned the EBU’s stance, describing it as “boundless hypocrisy,” according to La Libre. He called on RTBF, the broadcaster responsible for Belgium’s participation this year, to refrain from sending an artist to the event scheduled for May in Vienna. Boukili also demanded that VRT, the Flemish broadcaster, refuse to air the show.
Boukili argued that the EBU acted swiftly to expel Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, yet continues to admit Israel “after two years of genocide in Gaza,” reiterating his belief that Belgium must withdraw if it wants to “draw a clear line.”
Ecolo lawmaker Benedicte Linard echoed the criticism, accusing the EBU of ignoring international law and humanitarian conditions in Gaza. She cited civilian casualties and food shortages as reasons Belgium should not participate.
The criticism extends beyond francophone parties. Flemish groups Vooruit and Groen have also urged VRT to reconsider its involvement. CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi said he hopes Belgium will join other European countries—including the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia—that have already announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026.
RTBF said Thursday that it will disclose its decision “in the coming days,” while VRT confirmed it intends to broadcast next year’s contest.
The EBU announced Thursday that Israel will be allowed to participate and that member broadcasters chose not to hold a dedicated vote on the issue despite several requests. Alongside the announced boycotts, Iceland has said it will continue internal discussions before deciding whether to take part.