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Eurovision Bars Winning Broadcasters in War from Hosting Future Contests

The UER will order independent security checks then name alternate hosts when a winner’s state or region is judged unsafe to preserve the contest’s safety and continuity.

(Archives) [Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP]
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Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, alias Dara, représentant la Bulgarie, avec son trophée après avoir remporté la finale du concours de l'Eurovision à Vienne, le 16 mai 2026

Overview

  • Organisers announced the rule changes on Wednesday, establishing that a winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if a conflict or serious regional instability significantly affects security.
  • The Union européenne de radio‑télévision (UER) can commission independent security assessments and will consult the Eurovision executive committee before deciding whether a winner may host.
  • If a winner is judged unable to stage the show, the UER will designate another country to host the contest in its own name rather than staging it on behalf of the winning member.
  • Separately, the UER raised the minimum performer age from 16 to 18 starting in 2027 to reduce pressure on younger contestants, and Bourgas, Bulgaria, was confirmed to stage Eurovision 2027 on 11, 13 and 15 May.
  • The changes formalise a practice used in 2023 when the UK hosted on Ukraine’s behalf and respond to recent political tensions, including 2026 boycotts and reports of Israel’s near-wins; Canada is also reported to join the contest for the first time.