Eurovision will not allow countries involved in conflicts to host the contest
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, has announced new rules for the contest. Under these rules, the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the next contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or other circumstances significantly affect the security or stability of its country or the surrounding region.
If necessary, the EBU will commission an independent assessment of the security situation in the winner’s region and consult on the feasibility of holding the event. If the winning broadcaster is unable to host the contest, the organizers will select an alternative host broadcaster.
Eurovision Director Martin Green stated that the annual review of the rules is intended to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency for all participants. According to him, the changes are based on feedback from EBU members and are intended to provide greater clarity to organizers, protect artists, and maintain a safe environment for the contest.
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Russia—an aggressor state—was barred from participating in Eurovision in February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the new rules pertain to the right to host the contest, not to participate in it. Israel, which last hosted Eurovision in 2019 after winning the 2018 contest, may continue to participate in the competition. Its ability to host the event will be evaluated separately.
The EBU faced pressure over Israel’s participation in the contest amid the war in Gaza. The Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and Ireland had announced they would boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participated. Despite this, the contest took place in May in Vienna, with 35 countries participating. The EBU noted that the rules apply to all participating broadcasters, and an assessment of their ability to host the contest will be conducted closer to the event date.
