Eurovision Song Contest changes rules for countries at war

The Eurovision Song Contest's organisers have updated the competition's hosting eligibility rules, stating that a victorious nation involved in an active armed conflict will be barred from hosting the following year's event. The amendment was approved by the contest's governing body, following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. It states that winning countries will also be disqualified from hosting if a "sensitive geopolitical situation" affects the "security, information or stability" of their authorities or neighbouring region. Officials say the change is a response to Israel's continued participation amid criticism of its actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East. Last November, after a failed attempt to have Israel suspended, five broadcasters announced they were boycotting the competition – including Eurovision powerhouses Spain and Ireland. Despite the protests, Israel's Noam Bettan took second place with his song "Michelle". This marked the second year in a row that Israel had finished as runner‑up, and some participating broadcasters have privately expressed security concerns about staging the contest in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv should Israel ever win. Although Israel will undoubtedly be seen as the focus of the rule change, the amendment also affects Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted war since its invasion by Russia in 2022. Ukrainian act Kalush Orchestra went on to win Eurovision that same year, a victory described as a symbolic display of national support. Following their win, Eurovision organisers undertook a "full appraisal and feasibility study" to determine whether the 2023 contest could proceed in Kyiv. They concluded the security risks were too great, and the UK stepped in to host the event in Liverpool.