The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has amended the Eurovision Song Contest rules to prevent a country experiencing armed conflict from hosting the contest. Traditionally, winning the contest grants the national broadcaster the right to host the following year's edition. This rule will now be waived when the security or stability of the country cannot be guaranteed. The new rules also stipulate that a broadcaster whose country is experiencing a "sensitive geopolitical situation" that could jeopardize the contest will be ineligible. The EBU may request an independent assessment to evaluate the risks in the country or its immediate region.
Israel and Ukraine directly concerned
If Israel were to win a future edition, the contest could not be held on its territory as long as the conflict in Gaza affects security conditions. The same rule would apply to Ukraine due to the war with Russia. Ukraine had already been denied the right to host Eurovision after its victory in 2022. The EBU then awarded the 2023 edition to the United Kingdom, which hosted the competition in Liverpool. The amendment adopted in 2026 now formalizes this possibility in the regulations.
Bulgaria will host the 2027 edition
Bulgaria won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest thanks to Dara and her song "Bangaranga ," which garnered 516 points. The artist topped both the public and jury votes. Israel finished second with Noam Bettan and 343 points, ahead of Finland, who came in third with 227 points. France's representative, Monroe, finished eleventh with 158 points. The Vienna edition was marked by controversy surrounding Israel's participation and a boycott by five countries: Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland.
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