Overview
- The changes take effect in Vienna on 12–16 May 2026, with each viewer’s televotes cut from 20 to 10.
- Professional juries return to the semifinals with a 50/50 split against the public vote, and panels expand from 5 to 7 members with at least two jurors aged 18–25.
- New guidance discourages disproportionate promotional campaigns, particularly those backed by third parties including governments, and bars broadcasters and artists from contributing to efforts that could sway results.
- The EBU will strengthen anti-fraud systems with longtime partner Once to detect coordinated or suspicious voting patterns and prevent abuse.
- All updates were approved by the Reference Group and will be evaluated by the EBU’s general assembly in December, with participation decisions handled through separate processes.