Austria is narrowing down its options: two additional cities—Wels and Linz—officially withdrew on Tuesday from the race to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing unrealistic technical requirements and unprecedented costs. Only three cities remain in contention: Vienna, which hosted the contest after Conchita Wurst’s 2014 victory, Innsbruck in western Austria, and St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, known for its modern venues and excellent public transport access.

The decision was made public by the mayors, who clarified that this was not due to a lack of motivation or capability—but rather a clash between the desire to host a prestigious international event and unavoidable physical and financial limitations. It is claimed that only one site in Austria currently meets all of the production requirements set by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Costs Again Take Center Stage: “The Idea Is Unrealistic”

Dietmar Prammer, mayor of Linz, explained: “We entered the project with belief and passion, but the technical requirements and costs have made the idea unrealistic.” He emphasized that this was a rational decision based on thorough examination—not an ideological retreat.

Andreas Rabl, mayor of Wels, expressed similar disappointment, stating: “The hall structure requirements became impossible to fulfill, and the projected expenses significantly exceeded the original budget.”

Thomas Stelzer, governor of Upper Austria, also regretted the withdrawal, noting that it was unfortunate such an important event could not be held in one of the regional cities. “Wels and Linz could have hosted a fantastic event together,” he said, “but in light of the requirements—it simply wasn’t feasible.”

A Viennese Monopoly? Looking Ahead to the Final Decision

The fact that only one site in Austria is fully capable of meeting the EBU’s technical conditions serves as a wake-up call: is this becoming a competition accessible only to capital cities and economic powerhouses?

While Vienna successfully hosted Eurovision in 2015, the technical demands have since expanded dramatically: minimum ceiling height, complex suspension capabilities, advanced audio-visual systems, and top-tier infrastructure for transport and tourism are now essential.

According to leaked 2022 production documents, the average cost of hosting Eurovision has surpassed €35 million—an increase of over 40% compared to the previous decade. This means that only cities with significant government backing or strong private sponsorships can realistically bid for the event.

St. Pölten Steps Into the Spotlight

Alongside Vienna and Innsbruck—both expected front-runners—a surprising candidate is gaining momentum: St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, located about 60 km from Vienna.

The city features new performance venues, high-speed rail access from the capital, and modern tourism infrastructure. St. Pölten is also a Smart City, equipped with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, a notable advantage given the evolving requirements of the EBU.

As noted in the EBU’s latest technical guidelines, only one location in Austria fully meets all specifications—but other cities may offer creative solutions, such as multi-site hosting, temporary rigging systems, or regional partnerships.

Fewer Cities, Less Competition?

Recent developments raise a troubling question: are we approaching an era in which Eurovision can only be hosted by wealthy capitals or purpose-built venues? If so, what does that mean for equal opportunities among cities and countries?

It’s hard to ignore the growing feeling that what was once a truly inclusive event—capable of being hosted almost anywhere—is slowly transforming into a corporate-scale production fit only for a privileged few.
Perhaps it’s time to rethink the hosting model, explore regional cooperation, and reassess how funding is distributed—so the open and community-driven spirit of Eurovision can be preserved.

The Hosting Race: Major Cities vs. Smaller Towns

The attention shifts attention to three of Austria’s largest and most central cities – Vienna, Innsbruck & St. Pölten – 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.
• 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.