Eurovision Bars Warring Countries From Hosting

Eurovision, the world’s biggest international song contest, will no longer allow countries at war to host the competition.The winning country typically hosts the next year’s competition, but under the new rules, the winning country will “automatically be ineligible to host the contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region,” Eurovision song contest organizers announced on Wednesday.The change comes after several European countries boycotted this year’s competition over the inclusion of Israel. Israel came second in both the 2025 and 2026 contests, raising questions about whether it would be allowed to host if it won.The contest’s governing body approved the amendment after receiving feedback from participating broadcasters.“These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special,” Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said in a statement.Eur...