The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has introduced a major change to the Eurovision Song Contest rules that could prevent a winning broadcaster from hosting the following year’s competition if armed conflict, geopolitical tensions or other security concerns threaten the safety and stability of the host country or its surrounding region.
The new provision is included in the rules for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, according to a public summary released by the EBU.
Under the revised framework, winning a Eurovision contest will no longer automatically guarantee the broadcaster the right to host the following year’s event.
If an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or other circumstance is judged to have a material impact on security, safety or stability in the winning country or its immediate region, the EBU can determine that the broadcaster is unable to safely stage the competition.
The organisation may commission an independent security assessment before making its decision. Eurovision’s governing Reference Group will also participate in consultations concerning the host country’s ability to organise the event.
If the EBU determines that the winning broadcaster cannot host, another broadcaster will be selected to stage the competition.
That broadcaster would assume the full rights and responsibilities for organising, producing and hosting Eurovision rather than acting on behalf of the previous winner.
New safeguards follow broadcaster feedback
The security provision forms part of a broader revision of Eurovision’s rules following feedback from participating broadcasters after the 2026 contest in Vienna.
The EBU has also introduced changes concerning performers, voting, vocals and campaigning.
One of the most significant changes raises the minimum age for Eurovision performers from 16 to 18. From 2027, all competing artists must have reached the age of 18 by the date of their first rehearsal.
The EBU has also clarified its rules on live vocals. Lead singers must perform the main melody live, while pre-recorded backing material remains permitted provided it does not replace or provide undue assistance to the live lead vocal.
Public voting rules revised
Semi-final qualification will primarily be determined by public voting, including votes from the Rest of the World.
However, the revised rules allow jury points to be incorporated into semi-final results if the Eurovision Reference Group approves their use.
The EBU has also established restrictions on campaigns designed to influence Eurovision voting.
Broadcasters, performers and commentators can continue encouraging audiences to vote for their entries, but disproportionate promotional campaigns — including large-scale or state-backed campaigns — will be restricted.
Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green said the changes were designed to provide greater clarity and strengthen protections for participating artists.
“These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment,” Green said in an EBU statement.
Bulgaria to host Eurovision 2027
The first Eurovision contest to operate under the revised rules will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027.
The EBU and Bulgarian National Television announced that Burgas had defeated Sofia in the final stage of the host-city selection. Varna and Plovdiv had also submitted bids.
Bulgaria secured the hosting rights after DARA won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” delivering the country its first Eurovision victory.
The Arena Burgas, which opened in 2023, will host the two semi-finals on May 11 and May 13, followed by the grand final on May 15, 2027.
The event will be the first Eurovision Song Contest ever staged in Bulgaria.
The new security rules mark a significant departure from Eurovision’s traditional hosting arrangement and reflect growing concerns over the ability to stage a major international event safely when political instability, armed conflict or regional security threats affect a winning country.
