| Source | Latest linked headline | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Welle | EUROVISION BARS COUNTRIES AT WAR FROM HOSTING | 1 hr ago |
| Latest News From Euronews | Euro | EUROVISION TO EXCLUDE COUNTRIES AT WAR FROM HOSTING CONTEST, EBU SAYS | 1 hr ago |
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Tuesday that a country’s win at the Eurovision Song Contest will no longer automatically give it the right to host the next edition if the nation is embroiled in war or a broader security crisis. The rule change, effective for the 2025 contest, was outlined in a press release from the EBU and reported by Deutsche Welle.
According to the EBU statement, the new regulation will bar any war‑torn state—or a country in a ‘sensitive geopolitical situation’—from hosting the show. Deutsche Welle noted that the decision could affect recent winners Ukraine and Israel, both of whom have faced armed conflict. Euronews and the South China Morning Post confirmed the ruling, emphasizing that it reflects the union’s concern over safety and logistical challenges in unstable regions.
The move marks a significant shift in Eurovision’s hosting policy, which previously relied solely on the winner’s invitation. By tying hosting rights to a country’s security status, the EBU seeks to safeguard participants and viewers while maintaining the contest’s reputation for unity.