Vienna is working on a large-scale security operation for this year’s edition of Eurovision amid fears of a terror attack or mass protest.
The Austrian capital will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest amid controversy over Israel’s participation.
Austrian broadcaster ORF, which is overseeing the event, said it has “refined” security plans since the last time it hosted, in 2015.
Austria’s terror alert is at the second-highest level on its five-grade warning system, and has been ever since a planned terror attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in August 2024 was foiled by US authorities.
It did, however, result in all three concerts by the international country star being cancelled – and ORF is hoping to avoid a similar fate for Eurovision.
Security will be supported by the FBI, operating remotely from New York to monitor potential cyberattacks.
Before the rehearsals for the semi-finals start on Saturday, a canine unit will sweep the hall for explosives.
All 16,000 audience members at each event, the two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, and the grand final on May 16, will be subject to airport-style security screening, with up to 30 security gates installed at the Wiener Stadthalle.
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has ramped up security in preparation for a major security attack
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The 70th iteration of the international song contest, which opens on Sunday, will operate a no bag policy.
It will also ban bringing drinks and lighters into the venue, and fans will only be allowed to bring flags which adhere to EU requirements on fire-resistance.
Austrian authorities are preparing for protests against Israel’s inclusion in the international song contest.
The decision to include the Jewish state sparked fury and boycotts from five countries, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia.
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Bomb-detecting canine units will sweep the halls of the Wiener Stadthalle before rehearsals begin
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And the previous two editions of Eurovision, in Malmo, Sweden, and Basel in Switzerland, were both subject to public demnstrations.
Local authorities have sought to assure the expected 200,000 fans in the capital that the terror risk is under control.
“We can assure you that there is no specific threat to the Eurovision Song Contest,” Irina Steirier of Vienna police vowed.
She said several hundred police officers in both uniform and plain clothes will be deployed daily during the extent of the competition.
Last year’s Eurovision in Basel, Switzerland, faced pro-Palestine protests outside the hall
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She added: “A dedicated task force will be available around the clock for the entire duration of the Eurovision Song Contest.
“This enables inquiries to be clarified immediately and a swift response to international developments.”
She has said no restrictions on demonstrations would be applied in the capital.
“Freedom of assembly is a core tenet of democracy, which is why we are ensuring both that this right is exercised and that the safety of all those involved is guaranteed, ” she said.
Boos came from the audience during Israel’s performances during the two previous editions of the song contest and were blocked out by organisers at the European Broadcasting Union.
But the ORF has pledged to not pipe in artificial applause or hide the noise of any protests, according to programme director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz.
The UK will be represented at Eurovision by singer Look Mum No Computer, who will perform his song Eins, Zwei, Drei, which features more of the German language than Germany’s entry to the song contest.