Union Warns of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Due to Lack of Regulations for Private Security Sector

"Lack of standards, inadequate training, and insufficient control - this is not a basis for real security, but a politically dangerous cocktail," warned vida chief Roman Hebenstreit on Wednesday at a press conference in Vienna. Vienna is preparing for numerous guests next year as part of the Eurovision Song Contest. A comprehensive security concept is necessary for this. Basel, as the Eurovision host in 2025, counted over 540,000 visitors at various ESC events. The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the largest international events in Europe.

Union Chief Hebenstreit Before Eurovision Song Contest 2026: "Security Services Act is Long Overdue"

The union referred to the cancellations of the Vienna Taylor Swift concerts in August 2024 due to the threat of terrorism. "A Security Services Act is long overdue," said the vida chairman. Currently, the security industry is only regulated in the Trade Regulation Act and the Security Trade Regulation. In the current government program, ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have committed to "legal regulations for private security services," including the "creation of clear and binding quality standards." For the private security industry, the union vida demands mandatory certified training with quality standards and regular refreshers, as well as uniform identification cards for security personnel for identification during operations. Furthermore, there must be transparent registration with an independent state authority and guidelines for the awarding of security service contracts, including liability of the clients.

Up to 18,000 Employees in the Security Industry

According to the union, around 12,700 people work in the security industry in Austria - including at events, in banks, shopping centers, airports, or public facilities. Including temporary employees, there are up to 18,000 people. Around 40 percent of the employees work in Vienna, a third of whom do not have Austrian citizenship, according to the union. The largest companies in the security industry in Austria are G4S, Securitas, Siwacht, and ÖWD.

(APA/Red)

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