Eurovision Bans Countries at War From Hosting Song Contest After Israel Finishes Second Place Twice
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Noam Bettan, representing Israel, performs “Michelle” during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) announced new rules on Wednesday that state if a country involved in an armed conflict wins the competition, it will not be allowed to host the contest the next year.
In the past, the country that wins the ESC is automatically the host of the competition the following year. The updated rules of the competition now state that the winning country “will automatically be ineligible to host the Contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region.”
The rules also state that “where deemed necessary,” the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the Eurovision, may commission “an independent security assessment of the winner’s region.” After the assessment, the EBU will consult with the competition’s governing body, the Reference Group, “to determine whether the winning Member is able to safely host the Contest.” If Eurovision organizers decide that the winning country is unable to host, the EBU will select an alternative host country. The alternate host “will not be required to stage the event on behalf of” another country.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is constantly evolving, and our annual review of the Rules is an important part of making sure the Contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate, including the millions who engage with the event globally,” said Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green. “Guided, as always, by feedback from our Members, we have clarified and strengthened several areas for 2027. 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.”
The rule change will directly affect not only Israel but also Ukraine, which has been in a war since Russia invaded the country in 2022. The Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision that same year, which automatically qualified Ukraine to host the next year’s competition, but because of security risks in the country, the 2023 contest instead took place in the United Kingdom.
The new Eurovision rules were approved following feedback from participating broadcasters after the 2026 Eurovision in Vienna, Austria, in which Israel finished in second place. Israel’s continued participation in the competition has been highly criticized in recent years because of the country’s military actions in the Gaza Strip during the war with Hamas, which started after the terrorist group’s deadly attack across the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023. Five countries boycotted the 2026 Eurovision because of Israel’s involvement, and observers may view the updated competition rules as a response to scrutiny over Israel’s continued success in the competition. Israel finished in second place in the 2026 and 2025 Eurovisions, fifth place in 2024, and third in Eurovision 2023.
Eurovision organizers also announced on Tuesday that they have raised the minimum age for those participating in the Eurovision from 16 to 18, and clarified rules on the use of backing tracks and pre-recorded song elements.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, after the country’s entry, Dara, won the 2026 competition with song “Bangaranga.” Canada will also compete in the Eurovision next year, for the first time ever.
