Eurovision changes rules to prevent winners involved in 'armed conflict' from hosting
Eurovision Song Contest organisers have announced changes to the rules, saying winning broadcasters are to be prevented from hosting if involved in armed conflict or a "sensitive geopolitical situation" that could affect the safety of the event.
The Eurovision Song Contest organisers have revised their rules for the 2027 contest, stating that the winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if their state is involved in an armed conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation. This change comes after several countries, such as Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, threatened to withdraw from the competition in Vienna, Austria, due to Israel's involvement in the war in Gaza.
These countries did not participate in the recent contest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which governs the contest, clarified that these new rules were implemented following feedback from participating broadcasters. Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green emphasized that the contest is constantly evolving and that annual reviews of the Rules are crucial to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency for all participants.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria, following the victory of singer Dara in the 2024 edition held in Vienna, Austria.
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