Belgian Cultural Figures Challenge Eurovision Participation
A group of 170 Belgian artists and cultural workers have expressed strong opposition to their national broadcaster RTBF's choice to take part in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Their petition warns that the event could become a tool for legitimizing actions that contravene international legal standards.
Unlike broadcasters from several other European nations, RTBF has opted to remain in the competition despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel's confirmed participation in the 2026 edition.
"In our view, this constitutes a serious breach of the ethical and moral obligations of public broadcasters," states the petition, as reported by French-language Belgian daily La Libre.
The signatories point to what they see as a troubling inconsistency in the European Broadcasting Union's approach. They note that Russia was swiftly excluded from Eurovision following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, creating a perception of a double standard when Israel is permitted to compete.
Accusations of "Art-Washing" and Political Neutrality Concerns
The artists further accuse Israel of employing cultural platforms for political objectives, a practice they refer to as "art-washing." They write that "for years, the Israeli government has used major artistic and cultural events for propaganda purposes in order to divert attention from its regime of occupation, colonisation and apartheid against the Palestinian people."
They add: "Participating in Eurovision allows Israel to maintain the illusion that it is a modern and exemplary Western democracy, and thus to more easily conceal its criminal actions."
The petition calls on RTBF to uphold its public service mandate by withdrawing from the 2026 contest.
In response to the growing criticism and boycott calls, Eurovision director Martin Green has emphasized the contest's unifying theme, stating that "in a challenging world we can indeed be United by Music."
However, critics continue to question the EBU's commitment to political neutrality, highlighting the contrast between the ban on Russia and the current stance regarding Israel.
Broader Context and Recent Developments
The debate extends beyond Belgium. Last year's Eurovision winner, Nemo, has announced they were returning their winner's trophy, a decision later echoed by 1994's Eurovision winner, Charlie McGettigan.
Furthermore, Austrian public broadcaster ORF, which will host the upcoming contest, has confirmed it will not ban the Palestinian flag from the audience or censor booing directed at Israel's performance.
"We will allow all official flags that exist in the world, if they comply with the law and are in a certain form - size, security risks, etc," said the show's executive producer, Michael Kroen. "We will not sugarcoat anything or avoid showing what is happening, because our task is to show things as they are."
