Eurovision Bans War Zones
New rules block countries in conflict, like Israel and Ukraine, from hosting the song contest after 5 nations boycotted over Israel's participation
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has changed the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest to prevent countries involved in armed conflicts or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting the event. The new rules state that the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.
The EBU may commission an independent security assessment to determine whether a winning country can safely host the contest. If a winning country is deemed unable to host, the EBU will select an alternative broadcaster to run the show. This rule change comes after five countries - Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland - boycotted the 2026 contest in Vienna over Israel's participation.
Israel came close to winning the contest in both 2025 and 2026, finishing second on each occasion. The controversy surrounding Israel's participation has led to the EBU re-evaluating its rules. The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria after the singer Dara's victory for the country in May.
In addition to the new hosting rules, the EBU has also raised the minimum age for performers from 16 to 18 to reduce pressure on young artists. Furthermore, lead vocals must be performed live and cannot be supported by pre-recorded voices.
## What happens next The new rules will apply from next year's contest, and it remains to be seen how they will impact the participation of countries involved in conflicts. The EBU has stated that the changes are intended to provide greater clarity for artists and production staff and ensure the contest provides a safe and welcoming environment.
## Context The rule change is likely to affect not only Israel but also other countries involved in conflicts, such as Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted war since 2022. The EBU's decision to introduce new rules highlights the challenges of hosting a international event in a complex geopolitical landscape.
