On Tuesday, Vienna police revealed fears of violent protests and attempted sieges and disruptions during the Eurovision Song Contest hosted by the Austrian capital, in an event they described as one of the biggest security challenges they have ever faced. The competition is being held amidst intense tension after it was boycotted by five European broadcast stations in protest against Israel's war on Gaza, and coinciding with the night of the final scheduled for May 15, which coincides with the Palestinian "Nakba Day."

Published on: 05/05/2026 - 22:31

Vienna police said on Tuesday that they expect protests against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, including "attempts to blockade and disrupt," and described the competition hosted by the Austrian capital as one of the largest security incidents it has faced.

The competition is being held amid a very tense atmosphere this year, as five European broadcast stations boycotted it due to Israel's practices in the Gaza war, which began after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Iran war increased this tension.

The authorities have received very limited notices so far to organize demonstrations next week, most of which are against Israel's participation in the competition, but some are in support of it. The number of participants is estimated at about three thousand people. The authorities must be notified of any planned protest two days in advance.

Read also: More than a thousand international artists demand a boycott of the Eurovision contest in protest against Israel’s participation

Warnings of siege and sabotage in the final

“We really expect that there will be sieges and acts of sabotage, especially on the final day, whether through authorized or unauthorized gatherings,” Xenia Tsawner, a senior police official who will oversee the security operation, said at a press conference. Demonstrations against Israel's participation have become a feature during more recent editions of the competition.

The final coincided with "Nakba Day"

The night of the final falls on Friday, May 15, which is the day that the Palestinians call “Nakba Day” in reference to 1948, when thousands of them were forcibly displaced and the establishment of the State of Israel was declared. Tsawner said that this day has "great emotional significance for the pro-Palestine movement."

Tight security measures and American support

The police are preparing to confront a wide range of threats through a package of measures that they said include banning drones within 1.5 kilometers of locations, including the competition venue. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will also form a task force in New York next week that the Austrian authorities can contact around the clock to address electronic threats.

Vienna's deputy police chief, Dieter Schiffan, said there was no specific threat, while Austria's "terrorist alert level" remained at the second highest level in more than two years.

Exceptional inspection procedures for attendees

Police said that those attending the event should expect international security screening standards at the airport, so only small, clear bags will be allowed. She added that she would impose security measures in a large area designated for fans in front of City Hall, similar to those used at airports.

France 24/Reuters

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