Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have updated their regulations to state that any country involved in an armed conflict will be ineligible to host the competition the following year. This amendment was formally approved by the contest’s governing body, following extensive feedback from participating broadcasters gathered after the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
The new rules specify that winning countries will be disqualified from hosting if a “sensitive geopolitical situation” negatively impacts the “security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.” This update is widely interpreted as a direct response to Israel’s continued participation in the contest amid ongoing criticism regarding its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.
Last November, five broadcasters, including Eurovision powerhouses Spain and Ireland, announced they were boycotting the competition following a failed attempt to have Israel suspended. Despite these protests, Israel’s entrant Noam Bettan secured second place with the song Michelle. This marked the second consecutive year Israel finished as runner-up, leading some broadcasters to privately express safety concerns regarding the potential for the contest to be staged in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Although Israel is viewed as the primary target of this rule change, the policy will also affect Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted war since the 2022 Russian invasion. Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest with their song Stefania, serving as a symbolic show of public support. Following that victory, Eurovision organisers conducted a “full assessment and feasibility study” to determine if the 2023 contest could safely proceed in Kyiv. They ultimately concluded the security risks were too great, and the UK stepped in to host the event in Liverpool on Ukraine’s behalf.
The new regulations formalise that assessment process, stating that where deemed necessary, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) “may commission an independent security assessment of the winner’s region.” Following such an assessment, the EBU will consult the Reference Group to determine if the winning member is capable of safely hosting the event. If a country is deemed unable to host, the EBU will select an alternative broadcaster. Significantly, the EBU noted that they “will not be required to stage the event on behalf of another member,” though in 2023, the worked in conjunction with its Ukrainian counterpart to reflect the country’s heritage in the contest.
Beyond hosting rules, the EBU announced further updates on Tuesday, including raising the minimum age for participation from 16 to 18 and clarifying regulations regarding backing tracks. Since 1999, live instruments have been effectively banned, with only lead vocalists performing live. From next year, backing tracks may not “unduly assist” singers, such as by including pre-recorded vocals that thicken or support the main melody. The EBU stated this clarification is intended to protect the integrity of each performance and ensure the audience always hears the lead vocals performed live.
Eurovision director Martin Green commented that these changes are designed to provide greater clarity, protect artists, and ensure the contest provides a safe, welcoming environment while preserving its unique spirit and integrity. Next year’s contest is scheduled to be held in Bulgaria, following their entrant Dara’s victory in the 2026 edition with the club anthem Bangaranga.
The competition continues to evolve, as evidenced by the recent announcement that Canada will be eligible to join the Eurovision competition starting next year. This follows a period of intense scrutiny for the event, with recent headlines including “Canada eligible to join Eurovision competition”
The contest remains a focal point for both music and geopolitical discourse. Other recent reports have highlighted the ongoing public interest and internal management, such as “Another year, another controversy for Eurovision – but fans are sticking by it”
Canada eligible to join Eurovision competition Published 26 June
Bulgaria wins Eurovision – but UK comes last Published 17 May
Another year, another controversy for Eurovision – but fans are sticking by it Published 10 May
Eurovision boss: ‘We’re watching the voting very carefully’ Published 13 May
Eurovision boss: ‘We’re watching the voting very carefully’
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