City Council Supports Vienna's ESC Application

The Vienna City Council has also formally supported the city's efforts to host the 70th Song Contest next year on Wednesday. Specifically, a resolution proposal was submitted by the governing parties SPÖ and NEOS. In this, Vienna was praised as a potential "Host City." The hosting of the singing competition in 2015 was also highlighted.

"Quality, Efficiency and International Hospitality"

Vienna has repeatedly proven that it can host international major events, emphasized SPÖ club chairman Josef Taucher in a statement. "Vienna stands for quality, efficiency, and international hospitality. We are ready to be the international stage of Europe again in 2026." Councilor Katharina Weninger (SPÖ) agreed, referring to JJ's winning title "Wasted Love": "It would be wasted love if Vienna were not the host city of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest."

With an impressive inventory of 82,000 beds in 41,000 rooms, spread across 433 hotels of various categories, the city meets all the requirements for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, it was emphasized. The international connections, such as numerous flight or train connections, were also highlighted. At the same time, the resolution also emphasized: "The Wiener Stadthalle, already proven as the venue for the ESC 2015, offers an ideal platform for the event as well as numerous opportunities for an appealing supporting program for media, delegates, and guests."

With the proposal, the city wants to express its strong interest in being the host city of the ESC 2026, it was stated. It would be welcomed if the ORF's decision favored Vienna. The proposal was passed with the votes of SPÖ, NEOS, Greens, and ÖVP. Only the FPÖ withheld support.

Vienna's Government Program with ESC Application

That Vienna is applying for the Song Contest is also explicitly stated in the new red-pink government program. Potential ESC "Host Cities" 2026 must submit their detailed documents by July 4 at the latest. The decision on the host city should then be made by August 8.

The cities are obliged to a comprehensive confidentiality catalog. The final of the largest music competition will take place either on May 16 or 23, 2026. Vienna is not without competition. Recently, the city senate in Innsbruck has already given the green light for an application. In Graz, a decision will be made soon on whether to also enter the race for the bid as a "Host City."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.