Eurovision Unveils New Rules Around Countries In ‘Armed Conflict’

Eurovision bosses are introducing some new rules ahead of next year’s contest.

On Wednesday afternoon, organisers confirmed that new regulations were being put in place from 2027 onwards, which most notably say that a winning country will no longer be permitted to serve as host if it is involved in any kind of “armed conflict”, “sensitive geopolitical situation” or “any other situation [which] materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region”.

In the event that a winning country does fall into this category, organisers will “identify an alternative host broadcaster” which will “not be required to stage the event on behalf of another member” as the UK did with Ukraine in 2023.

Meanwhile, Eurovision has said that an alternative host country might be also chosen if the reigning winners are deemed to be unsuitable, either due to them not “abiding by the rules of the ESC”, being “found to have attempted to unfairly influence the results or outcome of the ESC in favour of its own entry”, undermining the “non-political character” of the contest, or being unable to “guarantee the safety, security, integrity, continuity or smooth operational delivery of the event”.