Belgian public broadcaster VRT postponed its decision on participation as debate continued over Israel’s involvement in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest and the application of the contest rules.
Under Eurovision regulations, VRT was required to announce its decision by Tuesday, September 15. The broadcaster requested an extension from the European Broadcasting Union, and the request was accepted.
VRT sought greater clarity on the rules
VRT said discussions with the European Broadcasting Union were continuing over concerns it had previously raised.
The broadcaster had questioned whether a country involved in a large-scale armed conflict could be allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. VRT had also called for greater clarity and transparency on how the participation rules linked to the contest’s politically neutral and non-political character would be applied.
Netherlands also requested more time
Israel’s participation has triggered fresh debate over how the European Broadcasting Union applies its rules to participating broadcasters and countries. The Dutch public broadcaster also requested an extension from the European Broadcasting Union to decide whether to participate in Eurovision.
The possibility that French-language public broadcaster RTBF could take over Belgium’s Eurovision participation if VRT withdrew also emerged. RTBF denied the claims, describing them as false rumors.