Eurovision Song Contest bosses have announced a major rule change when it comes to counties at war after the UK previously hosted for Ukraine when they won in 202218:00, 12 Aug 2026Updated 18:00, 12 Aug 2026Bosses of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced a major rule change when it comes to counties at war.‌Over the course of its 70-year history, it has been tradition for which ever country wins with its entry will host the competition the next year, with Bulgaria currently set to host in 2026 after Dara won in Austria with Bangaranga towards the end of May.‌Following a review, Eurovision organisers have changed the rules for 2027 so that the “winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host” the competition if their state is involved in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation”.‌The initial custom was brought into question in 2022 when Ukraine emerged victorious with their Stefania, shortly after Russia declared war.This meant that in 2023, the United Kingdom, who had placed second with Sam Ryder's Space Man, stepped into host the contest that year and Mae Muller was selected to represent, crashing out of the competition in second-to-last place.‌Earlier this year, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia all boycotted the contest over Israel's decision to still take part despite the war on Gaza.In 2025, Israel's performance came after over 70 past Eurovision stars penned a letter demanding that the contest chiefs exclude them amid the country's ongoing bombardment of Palestine.When it was confirmed that they would also be taking part in this year's edition, the country’s president Isaac Herzog wrote on X: “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed.‌“I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding.“Thank you to all our friends who stood up for Israel’s right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision. This decision demonstrates solidarity, fellowship, and cooperation, and reinforces the spirit of affinity between nations through culture and music.”Article continues belowFollowing this, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, Spain's RTVE and Ireland's RTE immediately said they will not participate in or broadcast the 2026 contest following the European Broadcasting Union's general assembly meeting on Thursday. Slovenia's broadcaster has also now said it will not be involved and claimed Belgium and Iceland would join the boycott.In a statement, RTE said Ireland’s participation would be “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza”. The Eurovision 2026 final is due to be held in Vienna on May 16 next year.Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .