Eurovision Song Contest organizers revealed updated regulations on Wednesday barring countries engaged in armed conflict from hosting the event, alongside raising the minimum age for participants. While specific nations weren’t cited directly, Israel—a country currently involved in its ongoing conflict in Gaza since 2023—nearly won the competition in consecutive years in 2025 and 2026, securing second place both times.
Previously, the host nation for the following year’s contest was automatically determined as the winner. The revised guidelines now state that “the winning broadcaster will be disqualified from hosting if an ongoing armed conflict, critical geopolitical tensions, or comparable destabilizing conditions materially jeopardize national security, public safety, or regional stability,” per the official announcement.
Notably, five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—chose to boycott the 2026 competition held in Vienna due to Israel’s participation. Their decision stemmed from Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault.
Contest director Martin Green acknowledged the rule adjustments as responses to ongoing feedback from Eurovision member broadcasters during a public statement.
