The European Broadcasting Union is considering significant modifications to the Eurovision Song Contest voting system to address concerns about coordinated voting campaigns, according to correspondence sent to participating broadcasters.
Under existing rules, viewers may cast up to 10 votes per person for their preferred performer through phone, text, or online channels. The EBU has proposed eliminating this capability in favour of an online-only system requiring participants to select their top three acts rather than voting repeatedly for a single entry. EBU leadership stated the changes aim to “dilute the effect of a mobilised block vote, without compromising fairness or trust.”
The push for voting reform follows the 2025 contest, when Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael received substantially more public votes than competitors despite placing 15th with the professional jury. Government-affiliated social media accounts, including that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, encouraged supporters to vote the maximum number of times allowed. The EBU subsequently reduced the permitted vote count from 20 to 10. During the contest held this year, the Israeli broadcaster faced a formal warning after its contestant released instructional videos encouraging supporters to vote 10 times for the country.
EBU officials acknowledged that current geopolitical circumstances are influencing voting patterns independent of artistic merit. While noting such dynamics have occurred historically, they characterised the recent frequency as “persistent” and “deeply worrying” to many observers. Technical considerations also favour the proposed shift toward online-only voting, as implementing multi-entry requirements would prove difficult via telephone and text channels. The UK has already adopted online-only voting beginning with this year’s competition.
The announcement coincides with other recent policy adjustments, including new eligibility restrictions barring broadcasters from nations engaged in armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting future events. The contest raised its minimum performer age from 16 to 18 and implemented enhanced guidelines regarding pre-recorded vocals. Bulgaria’s Burgas will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest from 12 to 15 May, 2027, following the country’s victory at this year’s competition.
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