Earlier this morning, the EBU announced some changes to the Eurovision Song Contest rules. The changes pertain to the voting method, promotions, and other aspects.
Following wide-ranging consultations with EBU Members, the voting framework for the Eurovision Song Contest will undergo several updates before next May’s event.
The EBU Executive Board commissioned an independent advisor to conduct a thorough review of participation, engaging directly with Directors General from participating broadcasters and key international event organizers. Their findings, which reflected feedback from the Heads of Delegation, informed the new measures aimed at further strengthening the Contest’s voting system.
Martin Green, the Eurovision Song Contest Director, commented:
We’ve listened and we’ve acted. The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is of paramount importance to the EBU, its Members and all our audiences. It is essential that the fairness of the Contest is always protected. 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 instrumentalized. Alongside the changes we are announcing today, we will also strengthen enforcement of our existing rules to prevent any misuse of the Contest, for example through song lyrics or staging. We will work closely with Members to ensure they fully understand and are also accountable for upholding the rules and values that define the Song Contest.
The Main Changes
- The jury will vote in the semi-finals. The semi-final results will be based on 2 parts: Jury and Public votes. The EBU has experienced 3 years of determining the semi-final qualifiers based on public vote only. The change aims to increase the quality and diversity of acts making it to the final
- The jury panel will consist of 7 members (instead of 5 members). At least 2 jury members are required to be aged between 18 and 25. This is meant to reflect the Eurovision Song Contest’s appeal to a younger audience.
- Jurors will be asked to sign a formal declaration stating that they will vote independently and fairly, avoid any coordination with fellow jurors ahead of the Contest, and remain mindful of their social media activity, including not posting their preferences before the Contest ends.
- The number of votes per platform will be decreased. Each voter will be able to vote up to 10 times (instead of 20) per platform (SMS, online, phone call). Voters will also be encouraged to vote for more than one act.
- Promotions will be limited and monitored. Disproportionate promotional campaigns, which are managed by third parties, will be prohibited. Under the updated Code of Conduct, attempts to unfairly influence the outcome will result in sanctions. However, regular promotions, in charge of the artist and the national broadcaster, are allowed.
- The EBU will improve the measures related to technical security, and in particular will put special efforts related to fraud prevention.
Martin Green added:
These measures are designed to keep the focus where it belongs – on music, creativity and connections. While we are confident the 2025 Contest delivered a valid and robust result, these changes will help provide stronger safeguards and increase engagement so fans can be sure that every vote counts and every voice is heard.
The Eurovision Song Contest must always remain a place where music takes centre stage – and where we continue to stand truly United by Music
The Eurovision Song Contest’s Reference Group has approved all the updates. Their impact will be monitored after the 2026 Contest to support further refinements.
During the EBU’s General Assembly in early December, Members will review the set of measures and safeguards and assess whether they sufficiently address their participation-related concerns, though no vote will be taken.
After the Assembly, the EBU will continue working with Members to finalize participation for next year’s Contest.
The list of participating countries is likely to be announced just before Christmas.
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
