Bulgaria’s Burgas chosen to host Eurovision 2027 as new security rules come into force

Bulgaria's coastal city of Burgas has been chosen to host the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, marking the contest's first appearance in the Balkan nation. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Bulgarian National Television (BNT) announced the decision on Thursday, with the 71st edition set to take place in May at Arena Burgas, a venue capable of holding up to 15,000 spectators.

The grand final is scheduled for May 15, with semi-finals on May 11 and 13. This selection comes just a day after Eurovision organizers introduced new security rules, preventing a winning country from hosting the following year's event if there is a war, geopolitical tension, or other significant security risk.

Bulgaria earned the right to host Eurovision after Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won the 2026 contest with her song 'Bangaranga'. Burgas was chosen over Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, following a thorough assessment of the cities against the EBU's hosting requirements. EBU director Martin Green expressed confidence in Burgas, stating that the city's dynamic and welcoming atmosphere, along with its strong musical and cultural identity, makes it a perfect fit for the event.

The contest will take place at an arena that can accommodate up to 15,000 people, depending on its configuration.

Burgas, with a population of around 190,000, is Bulgaria's second-largest city on the Black Sea coast and a significant commercial port. It also serves as a gateway to popular coastal holiday resorts such as Sunny Beach. The city's selection is seen as an honor and a privilege by Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, who pledges to make the event a success and attract millions of viewers worldwide.

Bulgarian authorities hope that the increased international exposure generated by Eurovision will boost the country's tourism industry, which contributes about 8% to the national GDP.