Brussels: A motion urging Belgium's Francophone public broadcaster, RTBF, to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation has been submitted to the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Members of the Francophone Socialist Party (PS) submitted the proposal.
According to Anadolu Agency, the motion argues for the necessity of diplomatic and economic pressure under international law to prevent genocide, emphasizing that boycotting a competition involving Israel would serve as a 'symbolic but strong and necessary' gesture. It asserts that withdrawing from the contest would align Belgium with 'international obligations aimed at avoiding complicity and tolerance in the face of genocide.'
The proposal criticizes RTBF for making a 'binding' decision on behalf of Belgium without consulting its board of directors, and it urges the Francophone Community Government to intervene and seek a review of the broadcaster's position. Belgium, known for its multilingual governance, is managed by six different executives, including the Francophone Community Government which appoints RTBF's board members, thereby wielding political influence.
At the Dec. 4 General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), members decided not to vote on Israel's participation, allowing it to compete in the 2026 contest. This decision led several countries to announce boycotts of the event. On the same day, Flemish public broadcaster VRT declared it would not participate in the next year's contest, advocating for 'a clearer commitment to peace, human rights and compassion' within the EBU. Despite its withdrawal, VRT will still broadcast the contest as an EBU member.
Belgium's participation in Eurovision alternates annually between VRT and RTBF, and this year, RTBF holds the responsibility to select the Belgian entry. On Dec. 5, RTBF reaffirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026. In a statement to Anadolu, RTBF emphasized that the situation in Gaza and the protection of civilians and journalists in conflict zones remain its 'top priority.' The broadcaster insisted that no cultural event or international competition should overshadow the obligation to protect civilians and journalists in conflict zones.
RTBF also underscored the urgent need to ensure safe access to Gaza for journalists, support independent Palestinian media, and safeguard the independence of Israel's public broadcaster. The broadcaster committed to working actively within the EBU towards these objectives.