The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has changed Eurovision Song Contest rules to allow a winning country to be blocked from hosting if security risks, armed conflict or geopolitical tensions make it unsafe to stage the event.
The new rules will take effect for the 2027 contest and introduce a formal procedure for assessing whether the winning broadcaster can host the following year’s event.
Under the updated regulations, a winning broadcaster could lose hosting rights if circumstances “significantly affect the security, safety or stability” of the country or region. The EBU may commission an independent security assessment and select another broadcaster to organise the contest.
The updated regulations will apply from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be hosted in Bulgaria after the country’s first victory in the competition. The contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, the Black Sea city chosen to host the event.
The EBU said the new rules aim to provide clearer procedures for situations in which security concerns could prevent a winning broadcaster from hosting the event.
The updated rules do not prevent countries involved in conflicts from participating in Eurovision. They apply only to hosting arrangements if a country wins but cannot safely organise the following year’s contest.
The changes come amid debate over Israel’s participation in Eurovision. Some broadcasters, including those from Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia, raised concerns about Israel’s involvement and withdrew from the contest.
Israel finished second in the 2025 and 2026 contests, prompting speculation over how the EBU would handle a possible future victory.
The EBU also announced that all Eurovision participants must be at least 18 years old by the time of the first rehearsal.
The organisation said the change aims to strengthen protections for younger artists and reduce the pressure linked to participation in the contest.
The youngest winner of the Eurovision Song Contest remains Belgium’s Sandra Kim, who won in 1986 at the age of 13. The new age requirement will apply from the 2027 edition.
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