Eurovision has changed the rules for countries at war

The Eurovision Song Contest, the craziest international talent contest in this arm of the galaxy, will welcome Canada for the first time in 2027. They’ve also changed the rules for countries at war.

Yes, Eurovision is supposed to be apolitical, but humans being human and nationalism being what it is, that’s impossible. A change was required to deal countries at war.

Previously, if a country wins, they’re automatically declared the host for the next competition. From now on, any country that is involved in some kind of armed conflict and happens to win will still be declared the winner. However, the country will be ineligible to host Eurovision the following year.

The organizing committee talks about things like a “sensitive geopolitical situation” that affects the “security, safety, or stability of their state or immediate region.”

Furthermore: “Following that assessment, the EBU will consult the Reference Group to determine whether the winning member is able to safely host the Contest.”

The rule train was triggered by this year’s boycott by Spain, The Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia against Israel’s participation. Their entry competed and came in second.

Amnesty International also had something to say:

“The failure of the EBU to suspend Israel from Eurovision, as it did with Russia, is an act of cowardice and an illustration of blatant double standards when it comes to Israel.

“Instead of sending a clear message that there is a cost for Israel’s atrocity crimes against the Palestinian people, the EBU has given Israel this international stage even as it continues to commit genocide in Gaza, unlawful occupation, and apartheid. The EBU is betraying the values of the Eurovision Song Contest, which include freedom from intolerance, hate speech, and discrimination.”

Israel will still compete in 2027 in Bulgari. But if they win, an alternate site will be found for 2028.