Following controversy surrounding Israel’s performance at this year’s competition, the Eurovision Song Contest is revising its rules concerning voting procedures and promotional activities.
Amid reported concerns from participating nations after Israel secured the top spot in the public vote at the May event – ultimately finishing second overall after jury votes were factored in – changes are being implemented.
Notably, the number of votes each fan can cast will be reduced from 20 to 10, and juries will once again participate in the semi-finals.
Furthermore, organizers will prohibit contestants and broadcasters from engaging in promotional campaigns conducted by third-party entities, including governments. The decision follows reports alleging that an Israeli government agency funded advertisements and utilized state social media channels to encourage voting for its entry in the previous contest.
Eurovision director Martin Green noted that the changes followed “a lot of feedback from members and our fans” about the 2025 show, adding that the organization would “have a good look at our rules”.
“There was a little fear that we’re seeing some undue promotion particularly by third parties, perhaps governments, that are out of proportion of the rest of the natural promotion that you should see in the show,” he stated.
While refraining from singling out any participating broadcaster, Green emphasized that the alterations were prompted by several promotional initiatives in recent years – especially those by third parties – that were “out of kilter” with the spirit of the annual competition.
Israel’s participation in Eurovision has faced opposition from some countries due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands have all indicated that they would consider boycotting next year’s contest if Israel participates.
While Green did not directly address Israel’s participation, he expressed hope that the measures would “give people reassurance that the contest remains an impartial and neutral space”.
In a statement, he affirmed: “We are taking clear and decisive steps to ensure the contest remains a celebration of music and unity. The contest should remain a neutral space and must not be instrumentalised.”
The new rules:
A vote regarding Israel’s participation had been scheduled for November, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – the organizers of the annual contest, subsequently cancelled it due to “recent developments in the Middle East”, including the ceasefire in Gaza.
The EBU stated that Israel’s participation would instead be discussed at an in-person meeting in December; however, it remains unclear whether a vote will still take place.
According to Green, broadcasters and their artists participate, not governments, and it was crucial to “keep the geopolitics off of the stage”.
Austrian national broadcaster ORF, which is set to host the 2026 contest, has previously urged countries not to boycott next year’s competition in Vienna.
Asked if the vote would still be happening, Green said: “We very much hope this package of measures gives our members the reassurance they need to ensure Eurovision remains a neutral and impartial space.”
Israel secured second place in the most recent Eurovision Song Contest in May, with its singer Yuval Raphael receiving the most significant combined public vote.
However, the addition of jury votes led to Austria’s JJ being declared the winner for his song Wasted Love.
The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on 16 May. The semi-finals will be held earlier that week at the same venue, the Wiener Stadthalle.
It will be the third time Vienna has hosted the annual show, most recently held there in 2015.
In the UK, Eurovision is broadcast by the BBC.
The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, CMAT and The Libertines will all play in 2026.
The Canadian singer will headline Friday night of the five-day event when it returns in July.
The musician was known for hits like You Can Get It If You Really Want and I Can See Clearly Now.
The Never Gonna Give You Up singer performs at the Shropshire venue on 24 July.
You can find many different music playlists for dogs and cats online. Do they actually help animals relax?