Eurovision changes the rules: EBU introduces new voting restrictions
22 November 2025 01:35
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced a major update to the voting rules for the Eurovision Song Contest. The new rules, which will come into effect in 2026, are aimed at combating manipulation, strengthening control and increasing confidence in the results, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What exactly will change?
1. Ban on influential advertising campaigns
The EBU is introducing new restrictions on organized campaigns aimed at influencing the vote. Any attempts at promotion, including by third parties, from commercial entities to governments, are prohibited.
Members and national broadcasters will not be able to participate in or support such campaigns, otherwise they will face sanctions.
2. Reducing the number of votes from viewers
The maximum number of votes that can be cast via the Internet, SMS or phone will be reduced from 20 to 10. In this way, the EBU aims to reduce the risks of massive “cheating” of the results.
3. New voting model in the semifinals
Now the scoring system in the semifinals will be the same as in the final:
- 50% – jury votes
- 50% – audience votes
The jury will also be expanded from five to seven members, at least two of whom must be aged 18-25. All jury members will sign a declaration of independence.
4. Strengthening the fight against fraud
The EBU is introducing new technical tools to detect fraud:
- coordinated voting,
- unusual voting patterns,
- suspicious activity during the vote count.
Monitoring will become much stricter to prevent manipulation in real time.
When will the new rules come into force?
All changes will take effect from Eurovision 2026.
The EBU emphasizes that this reform should make the contest fairer, more transparent and more resistant to external influences.
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