The European Broadcasting Union has overhauled the rules governing who can host the Eurovision Song Contest, introducing conditions that could strip a winning country of its hosting rights in the event of war, geopolitical instability or other security threats.
Under the updated framework, a winning broadcaster will be deemed ineligible to stage the following year's contest if an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation materially affects safety in its region. The EBU may commission an independent security assessment and reassign hosting duties to another member broadcaster. The changes also grant the EBU power to relocate the event if a winning broadcaster attempts to unfairly influence results or undermines the contest's non-political character.
Separately, the minimum age for performing artists has been raised from 16 to 18, and rules on pre-recorded audio now require the lead vocalist to sing the melody live. The revisions follow feedback from participating broadcasters after the 2026 contest in Vienna.