Austria threatens to pull out as Eurovision host if Israel is banned

Senior members of Austria’s ruling party, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), are demanding that in the event of a boycott against Israel in Eurovision by other countries, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) should not host the competition. This was reported on Wednesday by local media outlets.

A senior ÖVP official clarified: “It is unacceptable that Austria, of all countries, would be the one to prevent Jewish artists from coming to Vienna.” The opposition party has also expressed a similar stance.

According to the reports, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary Alexander Pröll are exerting behind-the-scenes pressure on the broadcasting authority and the Vienna municipality to prevent the contest from taking place if Israel is excluded.

The Austrian broadcaster has committed that if it wins Eurovision 2025, it will host the contest the following year. Backing out of this commitment could result in a fine of up to 40 million euros.

According to reports, ORF Director-General Roland Weißmann has conveyed to the government that in such a case, the state would need to cover at least 26 million euros ($30.2 million) of the amount.

Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed strong opposition to Israel’s potential removal from the contest, stating that “such a move would be a mistake.” However, the city is still expected to push for hosting the competition due to its significant economic benefits.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that a vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision will be held in November.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the issue over the weekend.

In an interview with the flagship program of Germany’s public broadcaster ARD, Merz said, “If Israel is excluded – I will support Germany not participating. I consider it a scandal that this is even an issue. Israel belongs in Eurovision.”