EBU bars Eurovision winners in armed conflicts from hosting contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, announced on Wednesday that a winning country will be automatically ineligible to host the contest if it is involved in an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation that materially affects the security, safety, or stability of its state or immediate region.

Under the new rules, the EBU said it will commission an independent security assessment of a winner's region when necessary and hold consultations before deciding whether a winning country may still host. If the winning country is ruled ineligible, the organisers will select an alternative host broadcaster.

Eurovision Director Martin Green said in a statement that the contest is 'constantly evolving' and that the annual rules review is 'an important part of making sure the contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate.' He said the changes are 'about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment.'

The Eurovision Song Contest, which began in 1956, is co-produced by the EBU and its member broadcasters, most notably the public broadcaster of the preceding winning country. Israel was the first non-European country to participate, in 1973, and last hosted the event in 2019 after winning the 2018 contest. It finished second in the 2026 contest held in Vienna in May, putting it close to hosting rights for 2027. Bulgaria, which won the 2026 contest, will host next year.

Russia was barred from competing in February 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine won the contest in 2022 but was unable to host the following year amid the war; the United Kingdom hosted instead. The new hosting rule would also render Ukraine ineligible to host under current conditions.

Five countries — the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and Ireland — announced boycotts of the 2026 contest in December after the EBU confirmed Israel's participation. Their broadcasters cited the conflict in Gaza, press freedom concerns, and what they described as the use of the contest for political purposes. Despite the boycotts, 35 countries participated in the Vienna contest in May.

• The source does not state whether the EBU attributed the new hosting rule directly to pressure over Israel's participation or the boycotts.
• The source does not state whether Israel's government or its participating broadcaster responded to the new hosting eligibility rule announced Wednesday.
• The source does not state whether the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, or Ireland have responded to the new rules or indicated whether they will return to the contest.
• The source does not state the precise criteria or methodology the EBU will use in an independent security assessment.
• The source does not state whether the new rules apply retroactively or only to future winning countries.
• The source does not state what specific conditions would need to change for a previously ineligible country to regain hosting rights.

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