Belgian artists urge boycott of Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation

Over 170 prominent Belgian artists and cultural personalities have signed a letter demanding their national broadcaster boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel's planned participation. The signatories, including actors, directors, and performers, argue that allowing Israel to compete normalizes its military actions in Gaza and violates the moral obligations of public media.

Contrast with Past EBU Decisions

The letter, reported by Belgian daily La Libre, sharply criticizes the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for what the artists call a double standard. They note that Russia was excluded from Eurovision within 48 hours of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while Israel continues to compete despite the ongoing conflict. "This is a serious breach of the ethical and moral obligations of public channels," the letter states regarding the continued participation of Belgian broadcasters RTBF and VRT.

Accusations of 'Cultural Propaganda'

The collective accuses the Israeli government of systematically leveraging major cultural events for political purposes. They contend that participation in Eurovision helps Israel cultivate an image as a "modern and exemplary Western democracy," thereby obscuring, in their view, its policies toward Palestinians. The artists call on RTBF to "honor its public service mission by canceling its participation in the 2026 edition of Eurovision as long as a State trampling underfoot the very foundations of our common humanity is welcome."

The Broader Context of Cultural Boycotts

This move by Belgian artists is part of a wider, ongoing debate about cultural boycotts and the role of international platforms in geopolitical conflicts. The controversy places significant pressure on the EBU and national broadcasters in the lead-up to the 2026 contest, highlighting the increasing intersection of global cultural events and political activism.