European Broadcasting Union may relocate Eurovision from winning country

The European Broadcasting Union has updated its regulations to stipulate that winning the Eurovision Song Contest will no longer automatically guarantee a country the right to host the subsequent event, citing potential security and stability concerns.

According to an official statement released by organisers, the EBU may relocate the annual competition to an alternative host nation if the winning state or its surrounding region faces armed conflict, heightened geopolitical tensions, or other threats to public safety.

Under the revised framework, the EBU reserves the right to initiate an independent security assessment whenever safety conditions are questioned. If the evaluation determines that holding the contest in the winning country is not viable, the organisers will select another participating broadcaster to handle all preparations, production, and execution of the event.

In addition to host eligibility changes, the EBU has tightened performer eligibility requirements. The minimum age limit for contestants has been raised from 16 to 18 years, requiring artists to reach legal adulthood prior to their entry's first official rehearsal.

The international song contest, organised annually under the auspices of the EBU, draws musical acts from dozens of nations across Europe and beyond. Bulgaria is scheduled to host the 2027 edition of the event.

By Tamilla Hasanova