Belgian public broadcaster unions call for Eurovision boycott over Israel

The socialist unions of the public broadcasters, ACOD (VRT) and CGSP (RTBF), are jointly calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest, reports Bruzz.

Both trade unions are concerned about Israel’s participation during a period of ongoing violence in Gaza.

“This is the third year in a row that we’re taking action against Eurovision. The first year we interrupted the broadcast with a sign, last year we found a partner in Oxfam, and this year we’re here together with our colleagues at RTBF, supported by a large civil society movement,” explained Ilse Orbaen of the Flemish socialist trade union ACOD.

The unions have placed a series of wooden puppets in the entrance hall of the broadcasters’ buildings in Reyers, near Place Meiser, together proclaiming the message “Boycott Eurovision”.

They also addressed messages to their respective managements, asking RTBF to withdraw from participating in the competition, and not send a Belgian candidate.

A similar message was sent to the management of VRT, calling on the company to not broadcast the musical event. 

The action is part of a “larger, international project,” according to Eric Tamundele (CGSP). 

 “Countries like Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland have already opted for the boycott, and in other countries, such as Malta and Greece, unions are also taking action to block the broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest,” he added.

Despite the calls, RTBF decided to go forward with the candidate selection and the VRT confirmed it would broadcast the Eurovision.

Belgium alternates participation between its two public broadcasters. In 2026, it was RTBF’s turn to select the entry.

ESSYLA to represent Belgium with song ‘Dancing on the Ice’

The artist ESSYLA (pictured) will represent Belgium at the 2026 song contest in Vienna with the song Dancing on the Ice, announced RTBF on Thursday.

As a singer-songwriter and composer, she represents a new generation of Belgian pop musicians, combining funky, groove, jazz and folk influences. As well as a bold look, the singer is credited  with promoting a colourful universe where female empowerment, self-affirmation and artistic freedom are at the heart of her creation. 

ESSYLA was born Alice Van Eesbeeck and originates from Perwez in Walloon Brabant. She first received public attention when appearing in the final of the ninth season of The Voice, along with Jérémie Makiesse, who represented Belgium at Eurovision in 2022.

In 2019, she participated in the Eurovison Choir in Sweden with the Almakalia choir. She was also part of the Belgian jury at the 2024 edition of the contest.

The young singer will compete in the contest’s first semi-final on 12 May with the hope of reaching the grand final on 16 May. 

Her entry, Dancing on the Ice, is a modern electro-pop song, co-written and produced by Nicolas D’Avell and Emil Stengele. She is supported by a 100% Belgian creative team who expect her voice to impact the international stage.

This is a special year for Eurovision as it celebrate its 70th anniversary. It is also 40 years since the 1986 victory of Sandra Kim, the only Belgian winner in the history of the competition, who triumphed with her pop song J’aime La Vie.

Photo: ©ESSYLA