Eurovision changes rules to block winners involved in 'armed conflicts' from hosting
The new rules state that if the winner of Eurovision is involved in a war or any other “sensitive geopolitical situation” they will be ineligible to host the competition.
The organisers behind the Eurovision Song Contest have announced changes to the rules for next year, which will disqualify a winning country from hosting should they be involved in armed conflict.
Typically, whichever national broadcaster is selected as the winner of the competition will automatically host the following year’s event, with the next edition to take place in Bulgaria following Dara’s victory in May.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the competition, have now updated the rules to state that a winning country will be ineligible to host if “an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation” affects the “security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region”.
Eurovision rule changes to affect countries including Israel and Ukraine
The rule change was approved by the EBU following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026.
The changes are likely in response to concerns over Israel’s continued participation in Eurovision, with the country having come in second place, two years in a row.
However, the amendment also impact countries such as Ukraine which has been at war with Russia since its invasion in 2022. Following Ukraine’s victory at that year’s Eurovision Song Contest, in 2023 the UK assumed hosting responsibilities due to safety concerns.
The updated rules essentially have formalised that process. The EBU also state they “strengthen protections for young artists” and ensure the competition will be held in a “safe and secure setting”.
This is not the first time that changes to the rules have been made in relation to Israel. Last year, countries including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia withdrew from the 2026 competition after Israel's place in the contest was confirmed amid the war in Gaza.
New rules were instead introduced to discourage “disproportionate third-party influence, including government-backed campaigns”, following accusations that Israel artificially boosted their Eurovision 2025 entry.
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New rules increase participation age and miming clarity
Other rules which were announced by the EBU ahead of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest include raising the minimum age for participation from 16 to 18, as well as clarifying regulations related to the use of backing tracks.
Live instruments on stage have effectively been banned in the competition since 1999 - though there have been some exceptions made over the years - with just the lead singer to perform live.
While the principle of the rule remains the same, from 2027 onward backing tracks now “cannot replace or unduly assist the live vocal performance”.
In a statement, Martin Green CBE, the Eurovision director said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is constantly evolving, and our annual review of the Rules is an important part of making sure the Contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate, including the millions who engage with the event globally. Guided, as always, by feedback from our Members, we have clarified and strengthened several areas for 2027. These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special.”
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria.
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