Eurovision changes rules for countries at war

The Eurovision Song Contest has made a significant rule change regarding countries affected by war.

The annual competition brings together representatives from numerous countries who compete for victory, and the winning country traditionally receives the honor of hosting the next edition.

However, organizers have now decided that a country involved in an armed conflict will not be able to host the next Eurovision Song Contest if it wins the contest.

Also, countries could be disqualified if a "sensitive geopolitical situation" arises on their territory or in the immediate region that affects the "security, safety or stability of the country or the immediate region."

If necessary, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, can also hire an "independent assessment of the regional security" of the winning country.

"Following this assessment, the EBU will consult with the Reference Group to determine whether the winning member is able to safely host the competition," the organizers said.

The rule change comes after this year's Eurovision, when Spain, Ireland and Slovenia staged protests over Israel's participation in the contest despite its military operation in Gaza.

Amnesty International has also called for Israel to be suspended from Eurovision. The organization's secretary general, Agnes Calamar, said the EBU's decision not to suspend Israel, as it did with Russia, was "an act of cowardice" and an example of "blatant double standards" when it comes to Israel.

"Instead of sending a clear message that Israel must face consequences for its crimes against the Palestinian people, the EBU has provided Israel with this international stage while it continues to commit genocide in Gaza," she said.

The decision not to exclude Israel from the 2026 contest has sparked additional controversy, especially given that organizers have deemed Ukraine, the winner of Eurovision in 2022, too unsafe to host the 2023 contest.

Instead of Ukraine, Eurovision was then held in Liverpool, England, with the BBC working with the Ukrainian broadcaster to preserve Ukrainian culture and heritage in the program.

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria, after singer Dara won this year.