Eurovision changed the rules for countries in a state of war

The European Broadcasting Union has updated the rules for the Eurovision Song Contest. Starting from 2027, a victory will not guarantee the winning country the right to host the next contest if it is in a state of armed conflict.

According to the official Eurovision website, the winner will automatically lose the right to host the contest if an armed conflict, a complex geopolitical situation, or other circumstances significantly affect the safety and stability of the country or a neighboring region.

If necessary, the organizers may request an independent assessment of the security situation. The final decision on the possibility of hosting the contest will be made by the European Broadcasting Union after consultations with the Eurovision Reference Group.

If the winning country cannot host the contest, the organizers will choose another broadcaster. It will receive all the rights and obligations of the host country and will not be required to stage the show on behalf of the previous winner.

In 2023, the contest took place in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on behalf of Ukraine, which had won the previous year but could not host the event due to the full-scale Russian invasion.

The new rules do not limit the participation of countries in armed conflicts and only concern the right to host the contest.

Participants must be adults

The organizers also raised the minimum age of contestants from 16 to 18. A participant must be an adult already on the day of the first rehearsal.

Additionally, the EBU clarified vocal requirements: the performer must sing the main melody live. Recorded elements and backing vocals remain allowed, but they cannot replace or excessively enhance the lead voice.

The updated rules will be applied for the first time at Eurovision 2027, which is to take place in Bulgaria.

Source: official Eurovision website