Eurovision: from 2027, no show for the winning country if it is at war or experiencing geopolitical tension
The EBU has updated the rules for the international music festival: in addition to the safety clause, a minimum age limit of 18 for participants is to be introduced, along with clarifications regarding the audio
From 2027 onwards, the country that wins Eurovision – and which traditionally hosts the following year’s contest – will automatically lose the right to host the contest if it is in a state of armed conflict, or in a situation of geopolitical tension, or in ‘any other situation that substantially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or the surrounding region’. This is one of the new rules governing the international music festival announced by the EBU, the European Broadcasting Union, the global organisation that brings together radio and television broadcasters in 50 countries and organises the song contest.
In a post published on social media, Eurovision explains that, if necessary, the EBU may commission independent security assessments of the situation in the winning country and, should the country be deemed unsuitable, the right to host the show will be transferred to another country.
Eurovision 2027 will be hosted by Bulgaria following Dara’s success with ‘Bangaranga’ in the 2026 contest, in which our own Sal Da Vinci came fifth. The contest will take place on 15 May 2027 in Burgas, a Bulgarian city on the Black Sea.
Among the other changes planned for the next edition of the show is an increase in the minimum age limit for taking part in the contest from 16 to 18. The EBU explains that the new rule has been introduced with the aim of ‘strengthening safeguards and protecting younger artists from the pressures associated with taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest’.
Finally, the EBU also provides some clarification on the rules regarding audio. The fundamental principle remains unchanged, namely that the lead singer (or singers) must perform live the main melody, but the use of backing tracks and pre-recorded elements is permitted in accordance with the regulations. In any case, ‘the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody,’ the EBU emphasises, ‘and must not unduly replace or support the live vocal performance’.
