Eyeing Israel’s near-wins, Eurovision to bar conflict-hit countries from hosting contest

The European Broadcasting Union issued new rules on Wednesday that would bar countries affected by armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, even if they win. The regulations are widely seen as targeting Israel, which has had near-wins in recent contests amid ongoing conflicts. The EBU may designate another broadcaster to host if the winner is unable. The 2027 contest is slated for Bulgaria.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issued new rules on Wednesday that would bar countries affected by armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, even if they win. The regulations, posted on the Eurovision site, state that a winning broadcaster shall not be eligible to host if an armed conflict or other situation materially affects the security of its region. The EBU could still allow hosting if it is satisfied that safety and operational delivery can be guaranteed. The new rules are widely reported as aimed at Israel, which has had near-wins in recent contests: Noam Bettan came second in 2026, and Yuval Raphael second in 2025. Israel last hosted in 2019 after Netta Barzilai won. The 2027 contest is slated for Bulgaria. Last year, five countries (Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain) backed out over Israel's participation, and the EBU director has ruled out another vote.