Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Reports of Pressure from Stocker on ORF and Vienna

The Federal Chancellery, however, did not want to confirm the corresponding statements to the "Kurier". Nevertheless, there definitely seem to be voices within the ruling party in favor of canceling the Eurovision Song Contest should Israel be excluded.

Payments would be due if Eurovision Song Contest is canceled

Apart from the affront to the competition and ESC-Europe, the ORF would have to account for multi-million euro payments in the event of a short-term cancellation. According to "Standard" information, the ORF would have to finance the competition even if it does not host it itself but backs out. The millions subsidized by the city for the competition would, of course, only be covered by the municipality if the ESC 2026 also takes place in the federal capital. This amount would also have to be raised by the broadcaster. However, the ORF remains tight-lipped on the matter. "Everything is in flux," it said to the "Standard".

Ultimately, all parties involved - probably also at the European Broadcasting Union EBU - are now hoping for the success of the peace plan for the Middle East. This could possibly turn the planned vote in favor of Israeli participation or even make it completely unnecessary. To date, some countries like Spain, Ireland, or the Netherlands had announced that they would not want to participate in the Vienna ESC if Israel is not excluded due to the Gaza war. The EBU had then scheduled the vote among all members.

(APA/Red)

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