Eurovision bars countries at war from hosting

Eurovision Song Contest organizers announced rule changes that would prevent countries involved in an armed conflict from hosting the event.

Israel and Ukraine are among the countries the rule could affect, with both having enjoyed recent success in the competition.

Eurovision is typically staged by the broadcaster from the country that won the previous edition as part of a co-production involving members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Under the new rules, "the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the Contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region," the EBU said.