Eurovision Bars Warring Countries From Hosting

The change comes after several European countries boycotted this year’s competition over the inclusion of Israel. Israel came second in both the 2025 and 2026 contests, raising questions about whether it would be allowed to host if it won.

The contest’s governing body approved the amendment after receiving feedback from participating broadcasters.

“These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special,” Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said in a statement.

Eurovision organizers made several more changes to the competition’s rules, including raising the minimum age for performers as of the first day of rehearsal from 16 to 18.

Five countries—Spain, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia—boycotted this year’s competition in Vienna, Austria, in May after the European Broadcasting Union refused calls to suspend Israel from the contest. Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ said in a September statement that its “participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” José Pablo López, president of Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE, said that same month that “it was about time to break the silence within the EBU regarding the genocide in Gaza.”