Austria may refuse to host Eurovision 2026

Discussions regarding the possibility of Israel being excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest have caused a scandal in Europe. This time, the host country of the contest in 2026, Austria, has come to the fore.

According to 12xal, the Austrian government has taken a tough stance against the scenario of Israel being excluded from the contest. Officials said that if Israel is disqualified from the contest, the government will put pressure on the city of Vienna and the state broadcaster to make the country refuse to host Eurovision 2026.

The report notes that the Austrian state broadcaster does not intend to oppose this government position. The channel's CEO expressed his open support for Israel.

The Austrian Foreign Minister said in a statement on the issue:

"Calls for a boycott are meaningless. It would be wrong to succumb to pressure or blackmail. This contest is between artists, not politicians."

According to official data, if Austria refuses to host the contest, the country will have to pay compensation of 40 million euros to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Because Austria has accepted in writing to host Eurovision 2026.

The current situation has created uncertainty about whether Eurovision will be held next year. The position of the EBU has not yet been announced.

Powered by Froala Editor