 Due to the expanding Contest, those of the 1993 entrants who had received the fewest points were not permitted to enter the 1994 Contest - with Belgium suffering this fate.The 1994 edition was consequently the first Eurovision Song Contest in which Belgium did not participate since its inception - in 1956.These "passive" countries (who broadcast the Contest in 1994 but did not enter) were, however, entitled to return the following year.