The European Broadcasting Union has selected Burgas, Bulgaria's second largest city, to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, overriding public expectations from both the winning artist and Bulgaria's national broadcaster that the event would be held in the capital, Sofia.
Burgas named host city for Eurovision 2026 as contest adds armed-conflict hosting ban
The European Broadcasting Union has selected Burgas, Bulgaria's second largest city, to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, overriding public expectations from both the winning artist and Bulgaria's national broadcaster that the event would be held in the capital, Sofia.
Burgas was chosen following what the EBU described as a 'competitive' process involving four Bulgarian cities. The organisation cited the city's 'strong overall proposition, combining the venue and technical potential' — including hotel capacity, transport and international travel links — as the basis for the decision.
The selection contradicted statements made at a press conference after the most recent contest in May. Milena Miltenova, director of Bulgaria's national broadcaster BNT, said at that event: 'I'm so proud of Dara's performance. What she did last night was amazing. And I'm so proud to say welcome to Sofia next year.' The winning contestant, Dara, said: 'I'm so happy that you're coming to Sofia next year. I'm happy that it is going to be in my home.'
Earlier this week, Eurovision organisers updated the contest's rules to bar countries involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition if they win. The amendment, approved by the contest's governing body following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, also disqualifies winning countries from hosting if a 'sensitive geopolitical situation' affects the 'security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.'
The rule change has been interpreted as a response to Israel's continued participation in the contest amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza and the Middle East. Last November, following a failed attempt to have Israel suspended, five broadcasters — including Spain and Ireland — announced boycotts of the competition. Despite the protests, Israel's Noam Bettan finished second with his song Michelle, marking the second consecutive year Israel had taken the runners-up position. Some participating broadcasters have privately expressed safety concerns about the contest being staged in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv should Israel win in the future.
The new rule will also apply to Ukraine, which has been engaged in a war since Russia invaded the country in 2022. Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision that year. Eurovision organisers subsequently conducted a 'full assessment and feasibility study' on whether the 2023 contest could be held in Kyiv, ultimately concluding the security risks were too great. The United Kingdom stepped in to host the competition in Liverpool.
- The source does not state the full name or title of the person identified only as 'Green' who is quoted representing the EBU.
- The source does not identify the four Bulgarian cities that took part in the host-city selection process.
- The source does not state when exactly the host-city decision was announced or made official.
- The source does not state which five broadcasters beyond Spain and Ireland announced boycotts of the competition.
- The source does not state whether BNT or the city of Sofia responded to the selection of Burgas over the capital.
- The source does not state the specific date or session at which the governing body approved the armed-conflict hosting amendment.