The EBU has tightened its rules after this year's boycott.
Evropska radiodifuzna zveza (EBU), ki organizira Evrovizijo, je posodobila svoja pravila, ključna novost pa je povezana z varnostjo. Sprememba je bila odobrena po povratnih informacijah sodelujočih radiotelevizijskih hiš po Evroviziji 2026 na Dunaju. Novo pravilo natančno opisuje, da bodo zmagovalne države prav tako diskvalificirane iz gostiteljstva, če 'občutljiva geopolitična situacija' vpliva na 'varnost, zaščito ali stabilnost njegove države ali neposredne regije'. Posodobitev je interpretirana kot odziv na nadaljnjo prisotnost Izraela na tekmovanju, kar je bil predmet kritike zaradi njegovih vojaških dejanj v Gazi in na Bližnjem vzhodu. Lani je po neuspelem poskusu suspendiranja Izraela pet radiotelevizijskih hiš napovedalo bojkot, med njimi tudi Španija in Irska, kljub temu pa je Izraelski pevec Noam Bettan osvojil drugo mesto. Tudi Ukrajina bo možna tarča spremembe, ker je po zmagi Kalush Orchestra v letu 2022 vpletena v vojno proti Rusku. Organizatorji so vedenje ocenili in odločili, da je varnostna tveganja prevelika, zato je gostiteljstvo preneseno v Liverpool. Novo pravilo določa, da bo EBU lahko 'naroči neodvisno varnostno oceno regije zmagovalca', in če se zmagovalna č
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed that the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Bulgaria’s coastal city of Burgas, marking the first time the competition will be held in the country. The decision was announced following Bulgaria’s victory with contestant Dara and her song Bangaranga at this year’s contest in Tallinn, Estonia. The event will run from May 11 to May 15, 2027, with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 15, at the Burgas Arena, which opened in 2023. This marks a historic shift for the Eurovision, which has traditionally been hosted by the winning nation, though exceptions have occurred due to geopolitical tensions, such as the 2023 contest in Liverpool, UK, after Ukraine's victory in 2022 amid the Russian invasion. Bulgaria’s bid for hosting rights was supported by its strategic location along the Black Sea, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. The city of Burgas, known for its beaches, parks, festivals, and vibrant summer atmosphere, was chosen over competing cities including Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. The selection process considered not only the availability of venues but also transportation links, technical capabilities, and the city’s readiness to host a major international event. The proximity of the Black Sea to the venue was highlighted as a key advantage, enhancing the appeal of the location for both participants and spectators. The EBU has also introduced new rules aimed at ensuring safety and fairness during future contests. These include disqualifying countries involved in armed conflict or facing sensitive geopolitical situations that could threaten the security or stability of the event. If a country wins but is deemed unsuitable as a host due to these factors, the EBU will conduct an independent security assessment and select an alternative host. The changes come in response to ongoing controversies surrounding Israel’s participation in recent years, particularly following the war in Gaza and the broader Middle East conflict. Despite protests and boycotts from several nations, including Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland, Israel finished second in the 2026 contest with the song Michelle, performed by Noam Bettan. The revised regulations also raise the minimum age for contestants from 16 to 18 years old, aiming to protect younger performers from the pressures associated with participating in one of the world’s largest music competitions. Additionally, the EBU clarified guidelines regarding the use of backing vocals, stating that live performances must feature the main vocalist singing the lead melody, while pre-recorded elements can only serve as support or enhancement. This rule aims to preserve the integrity of each performance and ensure that audiences hear the primary vocal delivery in real-time. The new rules were finalized following feedback from member broadcasters after the 2026 contest in Tallinn. They reflect a growing emphasis on clarity, safety, and fairness within the framework of the Eurovision, which has long been a symbol of unity and artistic expression across Europe. Director of Eurovision Martin Green emphasized that these changes are intended to strengthen the contest’s reputation as a fair and secure platform for all participants. He noted that the updated policies aim to safeguard artists and maintain the spirit of the event, even as it navigates complex political landscapes. In addition to the security and age-related reforms, the EBU has also addressed concerns around promotional practices. It has prohibited excessive campaigning by national broadcasters, contestants, or commentators that might influence voting outcomes in an unfair manner. This includes restrictions on large-scale campaigns backed by state resources or extensive media coverage favoring specific entries. Such measures are designed to uphold the democratic nature of the voting process and prevent undue influence on audience decisions. Looking ahead, the 2027 Eurovision in Burgas promises to be a landmark event, combining Bulgaria’s rich culture with the global reach of the Eurovision brand. The city is expected to transform into a hub of activity, featuring not just the main arena but also additional programs such as a Euro Village and Euro Club, alongside cultural and entertainment initiatives. Other Bulgarian cities, Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, are set to participate in supporting activities, showcasing the country’s diverse offerings. As preparations begin, the focus remains on delivering a safe, inclusive, and entertaining experience for all attendees.
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