Eurovision: Winning country in armed conflict will lose hosting rights from 2027

Published Aug 12, 03:37 PM UTC

Eurovision organizers have announced new regulations effective from 2027, stipulating that a winning country involved in an 'armed conflict', 'sensitive geopolitical situation', or any situation affecting security or stability will not be permitted to host the contest. Instead, an alternative host broadcaster will be identified, similar to the UK hosting on behalf of Ukraine in 2023 after the Russian invasion. The rules also allow for an alternative host if the winner is found to have undermined the contest's non-political character or cannot guarantee safety. The changes are seen as potentially affecting Israel, which has finished second for two years and whose participation has become controversial due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, leading to withdrawals by several countries. The 2027 contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria, following Dara's victory, and will mark Canada's debut as a competing nation.