Eurovision has introduced an important change in its regulations for 2027: the winning country will not be able to organize the festival if an armed conflict, a delicate geopolitical situation or other circumstances affect the security or stability of its territory or region. The EBU may commission an independent security assessment and, if it considers that it is not feasible to hold the event there, it will designate an alternative venue.
The measure especially affects Israel, which in recent years has come close to victory and which, if it won, would no longer be guaranteed to organize the festival. It could also affect Ukraine and, eventually, Russia if it returned to the contest. The new regulations provide for the alternative venue’s broadcaster to fully take over the organization, unlike Liverpool 2023, which hosted Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.
The change comes after the boycott of several countries against Israel’s participation, including Spain, and the loss of more than 35 million viewers in the 2026 edition. The EBU has also warned Israeli public television on several occasions for its campaigns to get votes. RTVE has not yet commented on the new measures, while Iceland studies returning to the festival in 2027.
In addition, Eurovision has modified two other rules: the use of backing tracks and pre-recorded elements will be allowed, but the main vocal must perform the main melody live; and the minimum age of participants increases from 16 to 18 years. The next edition will be held in Burgas from May 11 to 15, 2027.
