EBU aims to strengthen Trust & Transparency
With under six months to go until the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, the EBU has announced several rule changes which will come into effect in time for May 2026. The key changes involve the voting framework which has been altered with a key focus on strengthening the trust and transparency of the contest. The changes have been introduced following a consultation with member broadcasters following the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
What are the changes?
1.) The number of votes the public can cast has been lowered
- The number of votes that can be cast has been reduced from 20 to 10. Fans are encouraged to share their support across multiple entries
2.) The rules will be tightened on third-party promotion prior to Eurovision 2026
- The EBU have stated that “The Voting Instructions and Code of Conduct for the competition, which all participating broadcasters must abide by, are being strengthened to further protect the Contest from attempts to unfairly influence the vote.”
- The EBU encourages promotion of artists and their songs, but discourages disproportionate promotion campaigns; “particularly when undertaken or supported by third parties, including governments or governmental agencies.”
- The EBU has made it clear that any attempts to influence the results in a negative manner will lead to sanctions.
3.) Jury voting will return to the Semi-Finals
- For the first time since the 2022 contest in Turin, the 50/50 Jury & public vote will be incorporated into the semi-finals.
- The change has been made “encourage the optimum musical balance and diversity in songs that qualify for the Grand Final, ensuring that high-quality entries with broad artistic merit are recognized alongside those with popular appeal.”
4.) Increased number of juries
- The number of juries has been increased from 5 to 7, each jury must now include at least two jurors aged 18 – 25.
- The change has been made to implement a “range of professional backgrounds that jurors can be chosen from, which will be expanded to include music journalists and critics, music teachers, creative professionals such as choreographers and stage directors and experienced music industry figures.”
- All jurors will need to sign a letter of declaration stating that they will vote fairly, independently, and impartially, whilst confirming not to co-ordinate with other jurors before the contest, and be mindful of their social media use.
5.) ‘Enhanced’ voting safeguards
- The EBU will work with its voting partner to expand the competitions security systems, “which detect and prevent fraudulent or coordinated voting activity, and strengthen monitoring of suspicious patterns to maintain trust in the results of the audience vote.”
Martin Green, who has served as Director of the Eurovision Song Contest since 2024, and as Interim Executive Supervisor since 2025 spoke on above changes expressing that;
“These measures are designed to keep the focus where it belongs – on music, creativity and connection. 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.”
Source: [The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)]
A general assembly will be held next month, where all members of the EBU will be asked to consider this package of measures and safeguards, and then decide if they are sufficient to meet their concerns without having a vote on participation.
The EBU has shared that the full list of participating broadcasters in next year’s competition will then be revealed before Christmas.
What do you think of new voting changes for Eurovision 2026? How many participating countries do you think we will have in Eurovision 2026? Let us know in the comments below!