US EditionEurovision tightens rules after Israel voting controversy
The European Broadcasting Union halved the public vote cap and restored juries to safeguard Eurovision's neutrality after accusations of Israeli government interference, amid boycott threats.
- On Friday, the European Broadcasting Union announced rule changes revising voting and promotion rules to strengthen trust, transparency and audience engagement, approved by the Eurovision organisers' Reference Group.
- Israel's entry topped the public vote in May but placed second overall after jury scores; last year, reports said an Israeli government agency paid for adverts and urged votes, prompting boycott threats from AVROTROS and others.
- Organisers will restore professional juries to the semi-finals, increasing jury panels from five to seven and cutting public votes per payment method to 10, while updating the Code of Conduct to ban third-party campaigns and add technical safeguards.
- EBU members will decide at the General Assembly on Dec. 4-5 whether the measures are sufficient, then confirm participants for Vienna and publish the full list before Christmas.
- Martin Green said the steps aim to protect neutrality as Vienna hosts the 70th Eurovision with the Grand Final on May 16, 2026, and the EBU will monitor the 2026 contest.
115 Articles
115 Articles
What are Eurovision's new rules after Israel 'interference’ claims?
Eurovision is changing its voting system, following allegations of "interference" by Israel's government this year. Key changes include a cap on audience voting, the return of professional juries to the semi-finals, clearer rules around promotion of artists, and enhanced security safeguards.
Eurovision Alters Rules Amid Israel Controversy
Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest announced on Friday new voting rules to prevent state interference after a controversy regarding Israel’s entry. The European Broadcasting Union will discourage “disproportionate promotion” by governments or third parties, stating that violations could lead to sanctions. This year’s contest saw Israel’s Yuval Raphael, a survivor of a Hamas attack, […] The post Eurovision Alters Rules Amid Israel Controve…
The EBU changes the voting rules after Israel's second place at the ESC. Less votes for the audience and a comeback of the jury.
The EBU changes the voting rules after Israel's second place at the ESC. Less votes for the audience and a comeback of the jury.
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