Despite conflicting reports and media speculation, the city of Graz in Austria has not yet withdrawn its candidacy to host Eurovision 2026. Following the horrific massacre in the city on June 10th, in which 11 people were killed – including nine students – voices have emerged calling for the city to abandon its bid on moral grounds. However, according to local authorities, no official decision has yet been made – and some suggest that Eurovision could actually become a “symbol of hope.”

Between Public Mourning and Collective Hope

The shocking shooting that shook Graz – and sparked a fierce debate in Austria over gun laws – also casts a shadow over the city’s cultural and public life considerations. While some decision-makers believe it is inappropriate to host a large-scale entertainment event after a disaster of this magnitude, others argue that Eurovision could help heal some of the wounds. “Unimaginable versus a symbol of hope,” as an Austrian television reporter put it, a statement that has contributed to confusion in the international media between speculation and fact.

Eurovision, more than any other contest, is known for its ability to bring audiences out of dark places and into the light of international camaraderie – and choosing Graz as host, precisely in the wake of such a tragic event, could send a powerful message of recovery and resilience. According to sources in Austria’s production industry, this possibility is being seriously discussed at decision-making levels.

Personal Commentary: Choosing Graz Sends a Message

As a reporter for EuroMix, who has watched Eurovision for over two decades and interviewed dozens of contestants over the years, I have seen many host cities seek to rebuild themselves through Eurovision. Kyiv in 2017, Tel Aviv in 2019 – each was a politically tense focal point, yet managed to turn the stage into an event of solidarity.

In conversations we held with the website’s fan community, a common stance emerged among many – that the right to host Eurovision is not just a technical matter, but also a statement of life, culture, and the connection between peoples. If Graz wins the hosting rights, it will join the ranks of cities that broadcast to the world not only songs, but also the strength of will.

More Than Entertainment: The Broader Significance of Hosting Eurovision

Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is a tremendous economic opportunity for the chosen city – according to data from the EBU, the final in Basel attracted 166 million viewers and generated an estimated €60 million in revenue for the host city. Beyond that, it is an event with enormous cultural and social potential – from promoting tolerance to strengthening the country’s image in the eyes of the world.

In the case of Graz, this is also an attempt to send a message of stability – precisely after what has been called “the darkest day in the city’s history”. Thus, the contest could become not only a celebration, but also a tool for healing.

The Hosting Race: Major Cities vs. Smaller Towns

The returning of Graz shifts attention to five of Austria’s largest and most central cities – Vienna, Graz, 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.

• Graz – Austria’s second-largest city, the capital of Styria, with a rich cultural tradition and advanced performance venues.
• 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.