Belgium will organise the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005! Flemish broadcaster VRT and Walloon broadcaster RTBF runned for the organisation together. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) elected Belgium above five other countries, among them 2003 winner Croatia and the Netherlands.

The excellent organisation of Eurosong for kids, the Flemish format in which the Flemish Belgian entry for the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest was selected, charmed EBU and was one of the reasons to offer Belgium the organisation of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2005.

For the first time in history, Flanders and Wallonia will cooperate for the organisation of the Eurovision Song Contest as well as for the national final! At the end of last year, Flemish broadcaster VRT and Walloon broadcaster RTBF combined forces to send in their candidature for organising the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2005.

Another remarkable fact is that for the first time ever, a Belgian national final wil be organised. Flemish broadcaster VRT agreed to forget the rule of taking turns and Walloon kids will make a chance as well to represent Belgium, although 2005 is a Flemish year. VRT and RTBF will organise the national final together as well.

A location for the Eurovision Song Contest has not been chosen yet. But one can be certain that it will be in Brussels: capital of Flanders, Belgium and Europe. The most suitable venue would be Forest National, but some smaller venues can't be ruled out yet.

The coordination of the 2005 Junior Eurovision Song Contest is in the hands of Steve De Coninck- De Boeck. He already announced that the presentation of the show will mainly be done in English, with some French touch.

Reminding the 1987 Eurovision battle between Flanders and Wallonia, it seems like history won't repeat itself this time!

This year, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Manchester, United Kingdom, on 20th November.