Burgas to Host Eurovision 2027: Bulgaria’s First Mint Song Contest

Wed Sep 16 2026 09:51:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Burgas, Bulgaria will host the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after the country’s first win, with new rule changes banning war‑torn winners from hosting the next year.

The European Broadcasting Union confirmed Burgas will stage Eurovision 2027 between 12 and 15 May, marking Bulgaria’s first time hosting after Dara’s victory in 2026. The contests will take place at the recently opened Arena Burgas, a modern sports and entertainment venue. A new rule now disqualifies any winning country involved in armed conflict from hosting the following year, a move aimed at ensuring safety amid geopolitical tensions. The decision heightens expectations for a “truly Bulgarian” spectacle that honours local culture while maintaining Eurovision’s global appeal.

Burgas to Host Eurovision 2027: Bulgaria’s First Mint Song Contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in the Black‑Sea city of Burgas, Bulgaria, from 12 to 15 May. This comes after Bulgarian singer Dara triumphed in 2026 with her hit “Bangaranga” – the country’s first-ever win.

Eurovision winner Dara waving a Bulgarian flag — Dara lifts the Eurovision trophy in Vienna, 2026.

The decision positions Burgas as a “truly Bulgarian” hub for music and culture. Director Martin Green praised the city’s “vibrant, welcoming character” and its modern infrastructure, noting that the venue, Arena Burgas, is the newest among Europe’s sports and entertainment centers.

The host arrangements follow a competitive bidding process that saw Burgas, Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv consider the role. Although Sofia was highlighted by the Bulgarian National Television’s director Milena Miltenova, the final call was made in favour of Burgas because of its complementary hotel, transport and international travel advantages.

Rule change to keep the contest safe

In addition to the venue news, organizers introduced an amendment to the contest rules. From next edition onward, a country that wins while embroiled in armed conflict is barred from hosting the subsequent event. The move follows concerns about safety during the 2026 contest in Vienna, where Israel was a top diver – and after Ukraine’s 2023 victory amid a prolonged war.

“The new rule protects continuity and showcases the importance of global cooperation,” the EBU stated, referencing the security challenges that thwarted Kyiv’s own hosting attempt. This update continues a trend of excluding those facing “sensitive geopolitical situations” from responsibility for the next year’s official hosts.

Despite these changes, Burgas has expressed confidence that the city will deliver a memorable spectacle. Mayor Dimitar Nikolov welcomed the honour, highlighting the economic and cultural boost Eurovision historically provides to host cities.”