The logo of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is seen on the facade of the Stadthalle in Vienna on April 1, 2026. The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest announced a rules change on August 12, 2026 excluding any country in an armed conflict from hosting the competition. Photo: Hans Klaus Techt / APA / AFP / Lehtikuva
Culture
The Eurovision Song Contest has introduced a rule that will prevent a winning broadcaster from hosting the following year’s competition when an armed conflict or other security crisis affects its country or surrounding region.
The European Broadcasting Union has included the measure in its rules for the 2027 contest, according to a public summary published by the organisation.
Under the new rules, a winning broadcaster will become ineligible to host if an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or another circumstance has a material effect on the security, safety or stability of the country or its immediate region.
