Eurovision Bans Hosting by Countries in Armed Conflict
Priyanka Shankar
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced new rules barring countries in armed conflict or geopolitical instability from hosting Eurovision, though they may still compete. The decision comes amid boycotts over Israel's participation and criticism of perceived double standards.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, announced new rules on June 10: any country engaged in an “armed conflict” or in a “sensitive geopolitical situation” will not be allowed to host the annual competition, though it may still compete.
The rules were unveiled against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Iran conflict, and ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Russia was banned from Eurovision in February 2022 after launching its military offensive in Ukraine, while Israel has been allowed to participate and host despite waves of protests and boycotts.
Under the new rules, if the winning country is not eligible to host, the EBU will conduct an “independent security assessment” and consultations to decide, then seek an alternative broadcaster. Eurovision's executive supervisor, Martin Green, said the changes aim to “protect artists, ensure the contest is safe, and preserve the spirit and integrity of Eurovision.”
Israel hosted Eurovision in 2019 after winning in 2018. At the 2026 contest held in Vienna, Austria, in May, Israel finished second—narrowly missing the chance to host in 2027. Previously, the 2023 contest was held in the UK instead of Ukraine, the 2022 winner, which could not host due to war.
Eurovision began in 1956, co-produced by the EBU and member broadcasters, typically hosted by the public broadcaster of the previous year's winning country. Despite its name, the contest is open to any country with broadcasting operations in Europe and EBU membership. Israel was the first non-European country to participate in 1973.
The boycott wave for Eurovision 2026 began in December 2025, right after the EBU confirmed Israel's participation. The Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and Ireland successively withdrew, citing reasons related to Israel's military campaign in Gaza and press freedom violations. Despite this, the contest proceeded with 35 participating countries.
Many critics accuse the EBU of hypocrisy for banning Russia while allowing Israel. In April 2026, over 1,000 musicians and cultural figures signed an open letter urging a boycott and accusing the EBU of maintaining a “fiction of neutrality.” Former EU representative to Palestine, Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, also argued that both Russia's and Israel's actions violate international law and that maintaining Israel's participation is inconsistent.
The EBU stated the new rules apply to all participating broadcasters and that any assessment of hosting ability will be made “close to the event.” There has been no response yet from Israel, nor from the countries that boycotted this year regarding a possible return.
