Eurovision winner ineligible to host if involved in ‘armed conflict’

By Pierra Willix and Lauren Del Fabbro, Press Association

The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said they have changed the rules for 2027 so that the winning broadcaster will “automatically be ineligible to host” if their state is involved in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation”.

Leading up to the 2026 Vienna competition, a number of countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, threatened to withdraw unless Israel was excluded over the war in Gaza. The nations did not compete in the most recent contest.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the rule changes were made following feedback from participating broadcasters, adding the new rules would provide greater clarity for artists and production staff.

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is constantly evolving, and our annual review of the Rules is an important part of making sure the contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate, including the millions who engage with the event globally.

“Guided, as always, by feedback from our members, we have clarified and strengthened several areas for 2027. 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.”

A country may also be ineligible to host if any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.

The country would then be assessed by an independent security body to help the EBU determine whether the winning member is able to safely host the contest.

If the winning member is ruled to be unable to host, the EBU will identify an alternative host broadcaster to “assume all rights, obligations and liabilities associated with hosting the contest”, and will not be required to stage the event on behalf of another member.

It comes after the UK hosted the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, which was unable to due to the Russian invasion.

From 2027, all artists must also be at least 18 years old, rather than 16, on the day of their first rehearsal.

The EBU has said this change “continues the work already undertaken by the contest to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing”.

It also aims to “strengthen protections for young artists and ensure the Eurovision Song Contest can always be hosted in a safe and secure setting”.

Other rule changes announced on Wednesday include a change to the audio requiring the lead singer or singers must perform the main melody live.

Backing tracks and pre-recorded elements may be used in accordance with the rules, but the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody and they cannot “replace or unduly assist” the live vocal performance.

The EBU said: “The clarification is intended to protect the integrity of each performance and to ensure the audience always hears the lead vocals on each song performed live.”

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria after singer Dara won this year’s event in Vienna, Austria, in May.