With the deadline to confirm Eurovision 2026 participation coming in a few weeks it has been announced that both VRT and RTBF will make the decision together.
VRT and RTBF to make join stance
Responsibility for Belgian Eurovision participation is split between both the Walloon and Flemish broadcasters; who alternate responsibility each year. Formal confirmation of Belgian participation is being held back with the status of Israel in the contest; with Belgium being one of the most vocal critiques of the country’s inclusion. Pressure is growing in the country with politicians such as those from the CD&V pushing for Israeli exclusion from Eurovision. It was announced that the two broadcasters will decide on the country’s participation together following the Israeli vote in December.
The announcement follows VRT stating it was happy with the approach the EBU was taking to the voting criticisms it has raised. Stating:
We are pleased that the EBU is listening to the concerns expressed by various broadcasters in recent months
A transparent and fair voting system is essential for confidence in the Eurovision Song Contest. At the EBU meeting in early December, we will review the list of participants and the specific conditions together. Based on this, VRT, together with RTBF, will decide on the broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest.
VRT
Despite the talks of potential Belgian withdrawal from next year’s contest, it hasn’t stopped the rumour mill churning that Loïc Nottet may be coming to make a return to Eurovision.
Belgium’s Eurovision Journey
Belgium was one of the debutant countries at the beginning of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1956. For the first edition, countries could submit two songs, and for Belgium that year, ‘Messieurs les noyès de la Seine’ by Fud Leclerc and ‘Le plus beau jour de ma vie’ by Mony Marc represented the nation. To this day we do not know the final results of Eurovision 1956. Belgium have taken part in 64 Eurovision Song Contests; however, they have only ever won once: in 1986 with Sandra Kim and the song ‘J’amie la vie’, scoring 176 points.
Belgium chose Red Sebastian to represent the nation with “Strobe Lights” in 2025. Competing in the first semi-final, Belgium scored 23 points, placing fourteenth and ultimately missing out on the Grand Final for the second year in a row.
How do you feel about the Belgian approach to Eurovision 2026? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
Source: VRT
Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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