nuSep 23, 2026, 14:53

After much hesitation, Belgium will participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest

Belgium has announced it will participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest following commitments from the EBU to update competition rules. The decision follows the Netherlands' confirmation to return and the resignation of a key event sponsor.

Belgium has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest after a period of uncertainty regarding its involvement. The decision follows a recent announcement by the Netherlands to also return to the competition, as well as a period of negotiations between the Belgian broadcaster VRT and the European Broadcasting Union. VRT CEO Frederik Delaplace stated that the broadcaster secured commitments from the EBU to implement changes to participation and voting rules, which influenced their final choice to attend.

In addition to the rule adjustments, the departure of Moroccanoil as the contest's main sponsor played a significant role in Belgium's decision to rejoin. VRT leadership emphasized that this participation is independent of political pressures and does not equate to an endorsement of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The next edition of the contest is scheduled to take place in the coastal city of Burgas, Bulgaria, following the victory of artist Dara in Vienna earlier this year.

Culture

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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