Eurovision rules for countries at war have been tightened ahead of the 2027 contest. A winning broadcaster may lose hosting rights if armed conflict or serious security risks affect its country. The change separates winning Eurovision from automatically staging the next contest, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
The updated official Eurovision rules state that another participating broadcaster can be selected when the winner cannot host. Reuters reports that the provision specifically covers armed conflict and major security concerns.
Eurovision hosting rules change from 2027
Under the new framework, winning the contest will no longer guarantee that the broadcaster can organize Eurovision the following year.
The EBU can assess whether conditions are safe for artists, delegations, staff and spectators. An independent security assessment may be commissioned in difficult cases.
The main changes include:
- a winning broadcaster can be denied hosting rights because of armed conflict;
- serious regional security concerns can trigger the same decision;
- the EBU may request an independent security assessment;
- another broadcaster can receive full responsibility for hosting.
The alternative broadcaster would assume the rights and obligations connected with staging Eurovision. The winning country would still remain the contest winner.
Reuters reported that the changes were approved during Eurovision’s annual rules review.
What the new Eurovision rule means for countries at war
The measure concerns hosting rather than automatic exclusion from Eurovision. A country affected by war could therefore compete and potentially win while being unable to stage the following contest.
| Situation | Eurovision consequence |
|---|---|
| Country wins and is considered safe | Broadcaster may host |
| Armed conflict affects the country | Hosting rights may be refused |
| Security situation is unclear | Independent assessment may be ordered |
| Winner cannot host | EBU selects another broadcaster |
This creates a formal mechanism for situations previously handled individually. Ukraine, for example, won Eurovision in 2022, but Liverpool hosted the 2023 contest because of Russia’s invasion.
The Guardian reports that the rules also refer to a “sensitive geopolitical situation.”
Eurovision also raises the minimum age
Hosting is not the only rule changing for 2027. The minimum age for Eurovision performers will rise from 16 to 18.
Organizers say the measure strengthens protections for younger artists. Eurovision director Martin Green said the annual review is intended to keep the competition fair, transparent and consistent.
The 2027 contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 11 and May 13, with the Grand Final on May 15.
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