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

Published Aug 12, 03:37 PM UTC

Eurovision organizers 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, as was done when the UK hosted on behalf of Ukraine in 2023 after the Russian invasion. The rules also allow for an alternative host if the winner undermines the contest's non-political character or cannot guarantee safety. The changes are likely to affect Israel, which has finished second for two years running and whose participation has become increasingly controversial amid the Middle East conflict. Five countries withdrew from the 2026 contest due to Israel's involvement, and a sixth has threatened to follow suit if Israel is invited back in 2027. The 2027 Eurovision will be held in Bulgaria for the first time, following Dara's victory, and will mark Canada's debut in the competition.