Belgium will officially participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria, after Flemish public broadcaster VRT confirmed its decision to remain in the competition despite earlier concerns surrounding Israel’s participation.
The announcement, made on 23 September, comes after months of discussions between VRT and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) over the future direction of Eurovision.
The broadcaster also revealed that Belgium’s representative will be selected internally, meaning there will be no televised Eurosong national selection for 2027.
Why Did Belgium Reconsider Its Position?
Earlier this year, VRT warned that Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2027 was uncertain unless the EBU addressed concerns about the competition’s political neutrality, voting procedures and governance.
The broadcaster had been particularly critical of the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation and called for stronger safeguards to protect Eurovision’s original values.
Following discussions with the EBU and other European broadcasters, VRT acknowledged that meaningful progress had been made.
VRT CEO Frederik Delaplace explained that remaining involved would allow the broadcaster to contribute to Eurovision’s future development rather than withdrawing from the conversation.
He also emphasised that participation should not be interpreted as approval of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
No Eurosong National Final in 2027
For Eurovision 2027, VRT has decided to select Belgium’s artist and song internally.
The broadcaster explained that there is insufficient time to organise a national selection competition after the prolonged participation discussions.
This means that Eurosong, which selected Belgium’s Eurovision representatives in 2023 and 2025, will not return for the 2027 edition.
VRT has confirmed that the search for an artist will begin immediately, although details about the selection process and the date of the official announcement have not yet been revealed.
Belgium’s Eurovision History
Belgium is one of Eurovision’s founding countries, having participated in the very first contest in 1956.
The country has won Eurovision once, in 1986, when Sandra Kim claimed victory with J’aime la vie.
More recently, Belgium was represented by ESSYLA at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, where she performed Dancing on the Ice and finished 21st in the Grand Final.
Belgium traditionally alternates Eurovision participation responsibilities between its Flemish broadcaster VRT and French-language broadcaster RTBF. For the 2027 edition, VRT is responsible for selecting the country’s entry.
Looking Ahead to Burgas 2027
Belgium’s confirmation is a positive development for Eurovision 2027 organisers, particularly as several other broadcasters have announced withdrawals or expressed uncertainty about their participation.
With VRT now committed to the competition, attention will turn to the broadcaster’s internal selection and the artist who will represent Belgium in Bulgaria.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 will take place in Burgas on 11, 13 and 15 May, with Belgium hoping to secure its second victory after more than four decades.