ESC 2026 in Vienna: What Germany's Minister of State for Culture Warns About

Weimer (independent) has warned European broadcasters against excluding Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Vienna 2026. "If Europe's broadcasters start sorting artists based on their origin, we lose more than just a competition, we lose the idea on which Europe was founded," Weimer told AFP. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) plans to vote on Israel's future participation in December.

Vote on Israel postponed

The vote was originally planned for November but was postponed in light of the ceasefire between Israel and the radical Islamic Hamas. Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack in October 2023 sparked a debate in many countries about Israel's participation in the ESC. Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, threatened to boycott the ESC if Israel were to participate in the competition next year.

ORF Chief against ESC exclusion

Other countries, including not least ORF Director General Roland Weißmann as the organizer and ÖVP Chancellor Christian Stocker, however, spoke out against excluding Israel. This stance was now reaffirmed by Weimer. "The Eurovision Song Contest was created to connect Europe through music after the war - excluding Israel today destroys this promise."

After the victory of Austria's candidate JJ with "Wasted Love" in Basel in May, the ESC will be held next year at the Wiener Stadthalle. The final on May 16 will be the 70th edition of the music competition.

(APA/Red)

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