Eurovision bars conflict-hit winners from hosting

Eurovision organizers have changed contest rules from next year to make winning broadcasters ineligible to host if conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation affects their country or region.

The new rules say a winner cannot host “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,” Politico Europe reported. Eurovision is organized by the European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of 113 public service media organizations across 56 countries.

The EBU can still commission an independent security assessment to decide whether a winning broadcaster can safely host the contest. If the winner is deemed unable to host, the EBU has the power to choose an alternative host.

Organizers said the change follows “feedback from participating broadcasters” after the 2026 contest in Vienna. “These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special,” Eurovision director Martin Green said.

The last two years of the contest were overshadowed by controversy over Israel’s participation, Politico reported. Five countries boycotted the 2026 contest rather than compete alongside Israel, citing Israel’s war in Gaza, which the report said was sparked by the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Israel came close to winning in 2025 and 2026 after strong public votes, while its public broadcaster KAN denied claims that results were unfairly influenced by mass voting campaigns.

The winning broadcaster usually hosts the following edition in its home country. Ukraine was an exception after winning in 2022, when organizers said it could not host the next contest because Russia’s ongoing invasion raised safety concerns. The new rules will apply from next year, when the contest takes place in Bulgaria.