New Eurovision hosting rules will make a winning broadcaster automatically ineligible to stage the next contest if conflict or geopolitical instability threatens safety, the European Broadcasting Union announced August 12.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the restriction would apply when an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or other event materially affected the security or stability of the winner’s state or immediate region.
Under the Eurovision 2027 rules, the EBU may commission an independent security assessment before consulting the contest’s Reference Group on whether the winning broadcaster can safely host.
If the winner is ruled ineligible, the EBU will appoint another host broadcaster. That broadcaster will assume responsibility for organising, producing and staging the event in its own right rather than on behalf of the winner.
The hosting decision will not alter the contest result. The rules do not state that an ineligible host broadcaster would automatically be excluded from future participation.
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The EBU also raised the minimum performer age from 16 to 18 as of the first rehearsal. It said the change was intended to protect younger artists from the pressures of competing.
Updated audio guidance requires lead singers to perform the main melody live. Pre-recorded elements remain permitted but cannot replace or unduly support the lead vocal.
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Bulgaria won the 2026 contest and will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas on May 11, 13 and 15, 2027. Bulgarian National Television will serve as host broadcaster.
Canada will debut at the 2027 event after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full EBU member, according to a July 1 announcement.
