Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – Eurovision Song Contest-Kommentator Peter Van de Veire: „Ich denke, der RTBF wird trotzdem teilnehmen“ | VRT NWS: Neuigkeiten

>In a supplementary response to VRT NWS, the **VRT** stated that during yesterday’s meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (the association of European public broadcasters that organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, ed.), it made it clear that **the public broadcaster believes „the EBU refuses to open its eyes to the ongoing human suffering in Gaza.“**

>Yesterday, the question was specifically whether the amendment to the voting rules was sufficient for EBU members. „In response to that question, two-thirds of EBU members said: yes, this is sufficient for us,“ explains Eurovision Song Contest expert Gianni Paelinck. **“VRT and RTBF voted no at that time because they wanted a proper vote on whether Israel could participate.“**

>**The VRT supported the call from several other countries to exclude Israel from participation,** „as long as the EBU doesn’t offer alternative ways to send a clear message against war and violence and in favor of human rights.“ But ultimately, the matter never even reached a vote.

>VRT also made it clear that it is essential for VRT „that the EBU takes into account reality, its own values ​​and shows solidarity with all affected population groups.“

>**“That’s essentially a matter of conscience and values. We believe that without a clear expression of solidarity, there can be no credible, unifying Eurovision Song Contest.**