Overview
- The EBU has revised its rules, effective from 2027, to remove the automatic right of a winning country to host the following contest if armed conflict or other conditions materially affect security or stability.
- Under the new policy the EBU can commission independent safety assessments of a winning country and, if those reviews find it unsuitable, assign hosting duties to an alternative broadcaster.
- The minimum age for Eurovision participants has been raised from 16 to 18 to strengthen protections for young performers and reduce pressure on minors who compete.
- Organizers tightened rules on backing tracks so prerecorded vocal elements may not replace or unduly support the live lead vocal, with explicit bans on prerecorded main melodies.
- The change alters a long-standing norm that winners usually stage the next contest, responds to recent politically sensitive incidents and past exceptions, and is likely to prompt discussions among member broadcasters about how replacement hosts are chosen and funded.