The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have introduced a rule change preventing countries affected by armed conflict or major security concerns from automatically hosting the competition.
Under Eurovision's traditional format, the broadcaster of the winning country hosts the following year's contest as part of a partnership between members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Under the revised rules, however, a winning broadcaster will no longer be automatically eligible to host if "an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or any other circumstance materially affects the safety, security or stability of the country or its immediate region".
The EBU said it may commission an independent security assessment before deciding whether a winning country can safely host the event.
Alternative host country
If a winning country is deemed unable to organise the contest, the EBU will appoint an alternative host nation.
Under the new rules, that country will stage the event in its own right and "will not be required to host the event on behalf of another member".
Security concerns
The EBU statement did not mention any country by name.
However, the announcement comes after Israel finished runner-up in both the 2025 and 2026 Eurovision contests.
As the EBU includes broadcasters from outside Europe, eligibility to participate and host is not restricted solely to European countries.
The new provisions are intended to provide organisers with greater flexibility in addressing security, safety and geopolitical concerns when determining future host venues.
Source: CNA
