The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have unveiled a significant overhaul of its voting process, aiming to restore public confidence after a contest marred by political controversy.
New Voting Rules for a Fairer Contest
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed on Friday 21 November 2025 that it is implementing several key changes. These revisions come in the wake of intense scrutiny and allegations of 'interference' surrounding Israel's participation in the 2025 contest, which was won by Austria after a nail-biting finish with Israel.
To strengthen trust and transparency, the number of votes allowed per payment method will be drastically reduced to a maximum of 10. Furthermore, professional juries will be reintroduced to the semi-final stages, creating a 50-50 balance with the public televote.
Addressing Political Pressure and Fraud
The decision follows widespread calls for Israel's exclusion from the competition due to its government's actions in the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict. The EBU faced considerable pressure, with critics alleging that the voting process was vulnerable to undue influence.
In response, the union stated it will deploy enhanced safeguards and security systems designed to prevent any suspicious or fraudulent voting activity in future contests.
What Happens Next for Eurovision?
These new measures are set to be in place for the next edition of the song contest. The broader issue of Israel's future in Eurovision remains a live topic, with the EBU's general assembly scheduled to formally consider the country's participation for the 2026 contest.
These sweeping changes represent one of the most substantial shifts in the competition's recent history, directly addressing concerns over both political interference and the integrity of the public vote.
