Eurovision organisers have introduced rules preventing a country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the contest if it wins. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the measures are intended to improve clarity, protect artists and maintain a safe, welcoming event.

Under the changes, the EBU may order an independent security assessment of a winning country’s region and consult Eurovision’s Reference Group before deciding whether it can host. If it cannot, another broadcaster may be selected, as happened when the BBC staged the 2023 contest in Liverpool after Ukraine’s victory; the announcement follows renewed controversy and several boycotts over Israel’s participation amid the Gaza war.