EBU changes rules: Eurovision hosting can be denied to a country hit by armed conflict

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has changed the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, scrapping the previous arrangement under which the winning country automatically gained the right to host the next edition of the contest.

Under the new rules, the EBU will be able to deny hosting rights to a country whose territory is significantly affected by an armed conflict or where a serious security threat exists.

Until now, winning Eurovision automatically meant that a country was both obliged and entitled to host the contest the following year. Going forward, the EBU will retain the option to deviate from this principle if the situation in the country requires it.