Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker spoke out against any attempts to exclude Israel from the international Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will take place in May next year in Vienna, as it would be a “fatal mistake”.
Ukrinform reports, citing the Austrian information agency APA.
“I consider the exclusion of Israel a fatal mistake. Given our history, I would never support such a decision.”
– Christian Stocker
At the same time, Stocker did not comment on rumors that the party he leads, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), allegedly pressures the management of the public broadcaster ORF with a demand to abandon the contest in the event of Israel’s exclusion.
Earlier, ORF General Director Roland Weissman stated that the country’s participation in the contest implies a willingness to host Eurovision in case of victory.
“Contracts are in effect. Eurovision is not a political, but a musical event.”
– Roland Weissman
Context of Austria’s position on the contest
It is noted that several participating countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland, had previously threatened to boycott the contest if Israel participates. The vote on this issue by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which was to take place in November, was canceled after the Gaza ceasefire was announced. It is expected that the final decision on Israel’s participation will be taken on December 10 at the EBU General Assembly.
It is also known that the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place at the Stadthalle Vienna center in May 2026. The first semi-final will be held on May 12, the second on May 14, the final on May 16.
An independent UN commission investigating the occupied Palestinian territory has found that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The situation around the contest remains in a political context, but organizers emphasize the musical nature of the event and readiness to host Eurovision provided Israel participates.