(MENAFN) The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Vienna next May, is becoming a source of increasing political friction.

Members of Austria’s ruling party have issued warnings that the nation might withdraw from hosting the event if Israel is excluded from participation.

Domestic news outlets report that several prominent members of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), reportedly including Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Alexander Proll, have voiced their opposition to Austria hosting the competition should the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decide to prohibit Israel from competing.
However, the Chancellery has yet to officially confirm these claims.

This dispute emerges amid growing global calls for a boycott of Israel due to its military operations in the Gaza Strip and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the area.

A final verdict on Israel’s involvement is anticipated at the EBU’s general assembly in November.

Several nations, such as Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, and Slovenia, have already vowed to pull out of the contest if Israel is permitted to participate.

Spain’s position holds particular weight as it is one of Eurovision’s Big Five financial contributors, alongside France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented this week, stating that Germany would also withdraw if Israel were banned. “Israel has a place there,” Merz affirmed.

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