In the wake of last week’s severe shooting incident at a school in Graz, Austria, the city announced that it will not proceed with its application to host Eurovision 2026. The decision was conveyed by the regional governor, Mario Kunasek, amid security discussions conducted in the city following the disaster. This move has removed Graz from the list of candidate cities, leaving only four cities expected to submit their official bids by the final deadline of July 4th.

Security Concerns Outweigh Ambitions to Host

Security considerations have taken precedence over the city’s aspirations. Although Graz was considered one of the leading contenders thanks to its impressive urban infrastructure, the municipality’s decision to refrain from bidding reflects an understanding that pursuing a major international event at this stage could be perceived as insensitive. The governor clarified that at this point, “Eurovision is a secondary issue”, setting priorities focused on security, social rehabilitation, and coping with the aftermath of the tragic event.

This move may also affect other cities and reinforce the perception that hosting Eurovision requires not only infrastructure, but also mental and public stability. Such decisions reflect how events of terror and violence impact not just the local agenda – but also global cultural issues.

Could Graz Have Really Hosted? Why Was Graz a Frontrunner?

With over 14,500 seats at the Stadthalle – well above the EBU minimum requirements – Graz was one of the few cities that met all the technical criteria for hosting. The city also enjoyed relatively strong political support and a reputation as a host of international conferences.

Based on experience from years of Eurovision coverage at EuroMix, it can be said that second-tier cities  those that are not national capitals – often manage to deliver a more intimate, accessible, and innovative hosting experience. Similar positive experiences emerged from Düsseldorf in 2011 and Malmö in 2013, both of which pleasantly surprised and set new standards for sophisticated urban hosting at Eurovision. Therefore, Graz’s withdrawal is keenly felt among fans of the contest.

Should a Shooting in the City Affect the Holding of a Cultural Event?

The public debate in Austrian media regarding Graz raises a broader question: Should a city that has experienced a disaster give up on events that provide hope, culture, and international light? While some residents hoped that hosting Eurovision would send a message of unity and recovery, the city leadership chose restraint, and this legitimacy may be re-examined in the near future.

Over the years, I have observed how Eurovision has served as a significant moment for image rehabilitation and renewed pride – such as in Ukraine in 2017 or Israel in 2019. Perhaps this time, the absence of Graz will spark a deeper conversation about Eurovision’s role as part of a cultural response to crises.

The Hosting Race: Major Cities vs. Smaller Towns

The withdrawal of Graz shifts attention to four of Austria’s largest and most central cities – Vienna, Innsbruck, St. Pölten, and the joint bid of Wels and Linz – all of which remain in contention for the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The contest’s requirements, which include advanced logistics, proximity to an international airport, and facilities for thousands of guests, present a significant challenge for smaller towns.

• Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol, a picturesque mountain city best known for hosting the Winter Olympics and modern sports facilities.
• Linz & Wels – Two neighboring cities in Upper Austria, offering together large performance venues, hotels, and advanced transportation infrastructure.
• St. Pölten – The capital of Lower Austria, a modern city with convenient public transport and state-of-the-art performance halls.
• Vienna – Austria’s capital and largest city, home to Wiener Stadthalle – one of Europe’s largest and most advanced performance venues, which previously hosted Eurovision in 2015.

Preparations for Eurovision 2026: Dates, Hosts, and Anticipation

Eurovision 2026 is expected to take place in May, with the grand final scheduled for either May 16th or May 23rd – the final decision will be announced alongside the host city on August 8th, 2025. JJ, who won Eurovision 2025 for Austria with his song “Wasted Love”, has expressed interest in hosting the contest alongside Conchita Wurst, who won Eurovision 2014 with “Rise Like A Phoenix” – a pairing that has generated significant excitement among fans. Even before JJ’s victory, a video was released featuring the two singing Wurst’s song together, then transitioning to JJ’s.

Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are already underway, with high logistical and infrastructural demands and a tight competition among the leading cities.