Eurovision tightens rules — winner may be prevented from hosting if country is in armed conflict
The EBU added security criteria for hosts, raised the minimum competitor age to 18 and clarified limits on prerecorded backing vocals.
The European Broadcasting Union has updated Eurovision’s rules after feedback from participating public broadcasters at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna: a winning country that is engaged in an armed conflict will not automatically be allowed to host the contest the following year, and organisers can refuse a host if security concerns are identified.
New host criteria and security checks
Under the revised regulations, a winner may be disqualified from hosting if a "sensitive geopolitical situation" affects the "safety, security or stability" of the state or its immediate region. The change formalises a process by which the EBU can order an independent security assessment of the winner’s region before confirming the next host. If the assessment finds the country cannot safely stage the event, the EBU will select an alternative host.
The amendment follows a wave of criticism over Israel’s participation, protests and an attempted suspension that failed last year. Five national broadcasters – including Spain and Ireland – announced a boycott last November. Despite the backlash, Israel’s representative Noam Betan finished second with the song "Michelle"; it was Israel’s second consecutive year in the runner-up position, which raised concerns among some delegations about security if a future contest were held in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
The new rule is also likely to affect Ukraine, which has been at war since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. EBU officials said the move is intended to ensure the safety of participants, delegations and audiences, and to provide a clear, consistent process for deciding a host when geopolitical risks are present.
Alongside the hosting and security changes, the EBU raised the minimum competitor age from 16 to 18 and tightened rules on prerecorded backing vocals. From next year, the backing track must not "help" the singer on stage — for example by containing a prerecorded voice singing the main melody to bolster or support the live performance.
"The decision aims to protect the authenticity of each performance and that the audience always hears the lead vocal live," the European Broadcasting Union said. The next Eurovision will take place in Bulgaria after Dara won the 2026 edition with the song "Bangaranga"; organisers also confirmed that Canada will participate for the first time. North Macedonia’s public broadcaster MRT has said it will attend the contest in Sofia.
Photo: Инстаграм/Евровизија
