Overview
- Viewers will be limited to 10 votes per payment method in 2026, replacing the previous cap of 20.
- Professional juries return to the semifinals and expand to seven members per country, including at least two jurors aged 18–25 who must confirm independence in writing.
- Participating broadcasters and artists are barred from taking part in third‑party promotional drives, with specific warnings against disproportionate campaigns backed by governments or agencies.
- The EBU will strengthen technical safeguards and work more closely with voting provider Once to detect coordinated or fraudulent activity.
- The overhaul follows the 2025 contest in Basel, where Israel won the public vote but ranked low with juries; checks found no manipulation, though reporting highlighted paid and state‑linked promotion and several broadcasters threatened a 2026 boycott.