EBU Introduces Stricter Eurovision Voting Rules Ahead of Controversial 2024 Contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced significant changes to the Eurovision Song Contest voting system for 2024 aimed at enhancing fairness, transparency, and neutrality. These reforms respond to concerns over disproportionate influence, notably tied to Israel’s controversial 2025 campaign promoting multiple votes for its entry.

Key changes include halving viewer vote weight and limiting individual voting to ten votes per payment method, down from twenty. Stringent restrictions will also curb aggressive marketing campaigns, especially those supported by governments. Moreover, professional juries are reinstated for the semifinal rounds, with members bound by contracts ensuring independent voting.

The EBU’s Eurovision chief Martin Green stressed, "We have listened and we have acted," emphasizing the contest’s role as a neutral celebration of music and unity. Similarly, EBU spokesperson Dave Goodman expressed hope these reforms would assure members of Eurovision’s impartiality going forward.

These rule changes will be voted on by EBU member countries at their December general assembly. The timing coincides with mounting tensions surrounding Israel’s participation amid threats from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and others to boycott if Israel competes due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Denmark, by contrast, has not opposed Israel’s involvement.

The EBU’s measures aim to prevent coordinated voting and limit campaign influence, safeguarding the integrity of Eurovision as it navigates these fraught political sensitivities.