Kathmandu— The Eurovision Song Contest will implement new rules preventing countries engaged in armed conflicts from hosting the event, a change prompted by recent geopolitical events and boycotts. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the contest, announced that the winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if conflict or instability affects their state or region, potentially impacting nations like Israel and Ukraine who have recently participated successfully. These changes also include raising the minimum performer age and requiring live vocals.

Conflict and Host Eligibility

Under the revised rules, the EBU reserves the right to commission independent security assessments to determine a country’s eligibility to host. If the winning broadcaster is deemed unable to stage the contest due to conflict or instability, another broadcaster will be selected. The decision follows boycotts of the 2026 competition in Vienna by five countries – Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland – who cited concerns over Israel's participation amid its war with Iran.

Precedent for Rule Change

The new rule formalizes a challenge Eurovision has faced previously. Ukraine hosted the contest in 2017 despite ongoing conflict in the east of the country but was unable to host in 2023 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, with Liverpool in the United Kingdom stepping in as substitute host. Russia itself has been excluded from the competition since 2022 due to its actions in Ukraine.

Additional Rule Adjustments

Beyond host eligibility, Eurovision organizers are also raising the minimum age for performers from 16 to 18, citing a desire to reduce pressure on young artists. Furthermore, lead vocals must now be performed live, prohibiting the use of pre-recorded backing tracks. Eurovision director Martin Green explained that these annual rule reviews aim to maintain fairness and transparency within the competition.

Next year’s contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria after Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 edition with her song “Bangaranga.”

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.