The European Broadcasting Union has announced that the Eurovision Song Contest’s winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or another situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of the winner’s state or immediate region.
The rule does not automatically exclude the country from competing. Israel, which hosted Eurovision in 2019 and finished second in 2026, could still participate even if it is prevented from hosting a future contest.
How the hosting decision will work
The EBU said it may commission an independent security assessment of the winning country’s region and consult before deciding whether that country can host. If the winner is ruled ineligible, the organisers will choose an alternative host broadcaster.
The Eurovision Song Contest is co-produced by the EBU and its member broadcasters, particularly the public broadcaster of the preceding winning country. The event began in 1956 and is open to countries with broadcasting operations in Europe that belong to the EBU.
Why Israel is central to the debate
The announcement follows protests and boycotts over Israel’s participation while its war in Gaza and conflicts involving Iran, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank continue, according to the source material. Israel remains eligible to compete under the newly announced hosting rule.
The EBU has not said whether the rule change was prompted by the boycotts or Israel’s participation. Eurovision director Martin Green said the annual rules review was intended to provide clarity, protect artists and preserve a safe environment for participants.
What happens next
Bulgaria is scheduled to host the 2027 contest after winning the 2026 competition in May. The 2026 contest took place in Vienna with 35 participating countries.
Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland have not responded to the new rules. Those countries boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation, rather than only over whether Israel could host, so the new hosting restriction may not resolve their objections.
Russia is already barred from competing and hosting after its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine won in 2022 but could not host the following contest because of the war; the United Kingdom hosted in 2023 instead.
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