EBU Picks Burgas for 71st Eurovision as New Conflict Rules Can Block Winners From Hosting
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 13
EBU Picks Burgas for 71st Eurovision as New Conflict Rules Can Block Winners From Hosting
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 13
Summary
Burgas, Bulgaria will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest next year, the EBU said, pairing the venue announcement with a rule change that can deny hosting rights to winners in armed conflict or other unstable situations.
The new policy says victory no longer automatically guarantees hosting if war, a sensitive geopolitical situation or regional instability threatens security, safety or stability.
The move follows last year's backlash over Israel's participation and fears over a potential host caught up in conflict; countries at war are not automatically barred from competing or hosting.
Five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted last year's contest over the Gaza war, and an earlier voting reform cutting public votes per person from 20 to 10 failed to bring them back.