A last-minute development is literally shaking the foundations of Eurovision 2026.
The leadership of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the country’s Chancellor have declared that if there is a boycott against Israel, then the national broadcaster ORF should not host Eurovision.
The issue has sparked intense political controversy and discussions regarding potential penalty clauses of up to 40 million euros.

The 2026 contest turns into a political thriller

The upcoming Eurovision has already become a matter of international political dispute.
Several countries, once again led by Spain’s left-wing government, are calling for the exclusion of the Israeli artist from the competition.
The EBU is expected to hold a secret vote on the matter in mid-November.

The ÖVP opposes a Eurovision without Israel

In such a scenario, Germany’s conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has already announced that Germany would also withdraw from the contest, citing “historical responsibility.”
This stance seems to have resonated in Austria as well:
Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary Alexander Pröll are reportedly pressuring both ORF and the City of Vienna not to host the event if Israel is excluded.

“It’s unthinkable that we would be the ones to forbid a Jewish artist from coming to Vienna,” said a senior member of the ruling party to oe24.
The social liberals of the Neos party appear to share a similar view.

Possible penalty of up to 40 million euros

The matter is also financially complex: ORF has signed an agreement stating that if Austria wins the contest (as it did in 2025), it is obligated to host the next one.
If ORF withdraws, the broadcaster would owe up to 40 million euros in compensation to the new host country.
For ORF alone, the amount could reach 26 million euros, with Director General Roland Weissmann reportedly having informed the government that the state might have to cover the cost.

Tension between Stocker and Ludwig

The Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, stated to oe24 that excluding Israel would be “a serious mistake.”
However, the city still appears determined to proceed with hosting the event, as the competition is expected to bring significant revenue.
According to reports, behind-the-scenes discussions have already begun between Chancellor Stocker and Mayor Ludwig in an effort to avoid a political and financial crisis.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: oe24