The Eurovision Song Contest has announced a major rule change regarding countries at war, following a review of its hosting tradition.
For 70 years, the winning country has traditionally hosted the following year's contest. Bulgaria is currently set to host in 2026 after Dara won in Austria with Bangaranga in late May. However, organisers have changed the rules for 2027 so that the "winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host" if their state is involved in an "armed conflict" or "sensitive geopolitical situation".
Rule change sparked by Ukraine and Israel
The custom was questioned in 2022 when Ukraine won with Stefania, shortly after Russia declared war. This led to the UK, which had placed second with Sam Ryder's Space Man, hosting in 2023, where Mae Muller finished second-to-last.
Earlier this year, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia boycotted the contest over Israel's participation despite the war on Gaza. In 2025, over 70 past Eurovision stars had signed a letter demanding Israel's exclusion amid its bombardment of Palestine.
Broadcasters react to Israel's participation
When Israel's participation was confirmed for this year, President Isaac Herzog wrote on X: "Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed." He added, "I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding."
Following this, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, Spain's RTVE and Ireland's RTE said they would not participate in or broadcast the 2026 contest after the European Broadcasting Union's general assembly meeting on Thursday. Slovenia's broadcaster also said it would not be involved and claimed Belgium and Iceland would join the boycott. In a statement, RTE said Ireland's participation would be "unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza". The Eurovision 2026 final is due to be held in Vienna on May 16 next year.
