BRUSSELS — A group of 170 Belgian artists, performers, and cultural personalities has publicly condemned the decision by public broadcaster RTBF to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, given Israel's confirmed involvement in the event. In a joint open letter published on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the signatories described Israel's participation as incompatible with ethical standards, accusing the country of conducting a "war of extermination" in Gaza and urging RTBF to withdraw to uphold its public service obligations.
The letter, reported by local media outlet La Libre Belgique, expresses "dismay" at the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) announcement on December 4, 2025, confirming Israel's entry into the contest despite ongoing international criticism of its military actions in Gaza. Prominent signatories include acclaimed actress and director Yolande Moreau, filmmaker Thierry Michel, comedian Florence Mendez, and actor David Murgia, representing a broad spectrum of Belgium's creative community.
The artists draw a stark contrast to the EBU's swift exclusion of Russia from the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, which occurred less than 48 hours after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They argue that the EBU's refusal to bar Israel, despite what they term a "war of extermination" against Palestinians, reveals a double standard. "The EBU excluded Russia in less than 48 hours following the invasion of Ukraine, yet refuses to exclude Israel despite the continuation of its war of extermination waged against the Palestinian people," the letter states.
The signatories accuse RTBF and its Flemish counterpart VRT—responsible for selecting Belgium's Eurovision entry—of breaching "ethical and moral obligations" by proceeding with participation. They assert that joining the contest alongside Israel allows the country to "maintain the illusion that it is a modern and exemplary Western democracy," thereby concealing its "criminal action" and regime of "occupation, colonization, and apartheid" against Palestinians.
The letter calls on RTBF to "honor its public service mission" by canceling Belgium's involvement in the 2026 edition "as long as a State trampling underfoot the very foundations of our common humanity is welcome." It emphasizes that cultural events like Eurovision have been used by Israel for "propaganda purposes" to normalize its policies.
This protest echoes ongoing global controversies surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision, particularly since the escalation of conflict in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack and Israel's subsequent military response, which has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health authorities. In 2025, similar calls for boycotts led to protests during the Malmö, Sweden-hosted contest, where Israel's entry Eden Golan faced boos and security concerns amid accusations of "artwashing" genocide.
Belgium's broadcasters have faced internal pressure, with VRT expressing regret over Israel's inclusion and pledging to advocate within the EBU for commitments to peace and human rights. However, both RTBF and VRT confirmed Belgium's participation, aligning with the EBU's stance that Eurovision is a non-political event open to all member broadcasters in good standing.
The EBU, which organizes Eurovision, has defended Israel's right to compete through its public broadcaster Kan, arguing that exclusion would violate principles of universality unless a member breaches rules—as with Russia in 2022 for violating media freedom obligations amid the Ukraine invasion. Critics, including the Belgian collective, argue this ignores the International Court of Justice's 2024 advisory opinion labeling Israel's occupation illegal and calling for its end.
The letter's release coincides with broader cultural boycotts against Israel, similar to those during the apartheid era in South Africa. In Europe, artists in Iceland, Finland, and Sweden have boycotted Eurovision over Israel's participation, while petitions garnered thousands of signatures in 2025. Belgium's multilingual society adds complexity, with Flemish and French-speaking broadcasters coordinating entries alternately.
Reactions to the letter have been swift. Supporters on social media praised the artists for using their platform to highlight human rights issues, while detractors accused them of politicizing a music competition. RTBF has not yet responded publicly to the letter, but earlier statements affirm commitment to Eurovision's apolitical nature.
This incident underscores tensions in cultural diplomacy amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Eurovision 2026, set for Rotterdam in the Netherlands, may face similar protests, potentially affecting viewership and sponsorships. The EBU has yet to announce full participant lists, but Israel's confirmation has fueled calls for reevaluation.
As the debate intensifies, the Belgian artists' stance amplifies global voices demanding accountability, linking cultural participation to ethical responsibilities. With World Peace Day approaching on January 1, 2026, the letter aligns with calls from figures like Pope Leo XIV for disarmament and justice.
The collective's action may inspire similar movements, challenging broadcasters to reconcile entertainment with moral imperatives in an increasingly polarized world.
