Eurovision Bars Countries in Armed Conflict from Hosting; 2027 Edition Set for Burgas

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on August 12, 2026, that broadcasters from countries involved in an "armed conflict" or a "sensitive geopolitical situation" will no longer be eligible to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The new rule, aimed at ensuring a "safe and welcoming environment" for participants, will automatically disqualify such nations from hosting, though it does not bar them from competing. The organizers did not name specific countries, but the decision follows Israel's runner-up finishes in both 2025 and 2026. The EBU also raised the minimum age for contestants, though details were not specified.

The announcement comes as the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is set to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast, following Bulgarian singer Dara's victory in May 2026. The rule change will apply to future contests, and the EBU emphasized that the hosting rights, traditionally granted to the previous year's winning broadcaster, are now subject to these new eligibility criteria. The move has drawn attention to geopolitical tensions within the competition, but the EBU framed it as a protective measure for the event's integrity and safety.