Graz out of the Running for Eurovision Song Contest 2026

According to the politics in Graz, it was clear from the beginning that due to the strained financial situation, a bid for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 would only be considered if the costs were justifiable. This would have required significant financial participation from both the state and federal levels.

Costs for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Unmanageable for Graz

However, binding commitments from these institutions were not forthcoming, explained the office of Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ). Numerous discussions were held at all levels, but they did not lead to any binding financial commitments. Graz would have had to raise 29.35 million euros from its own resources. This was not feasible given the financial situation, which also necessitated a budget freeze.

For this reason, Graz will not apply to be the host city for ESC 2026. After comprehensive and thorough examination, the costs would amount to 29.35 million euros gross. This figure reflects the significantly increased requirements, which are mirrored in a correspondingly long list. The city would hardly be able to generate direct revenue. Although high turnovers can be expected in the weeks leading up to the event, neither revenue from ticket sales nor effects subsumed under the broadly interpretable term of indirect profitability would remain with the municipality.

KPÖ Mayor Elke Kahr said, "A bid within the now known cost framework is not justifiable for Graz, as much as I understand everyone who would have liked to have the ESC in our city. A serious bid would only have been possible with the financial participation of the federal and state governments, with whom discussions took place until the end - unfortunately without a positive result."

Vienna and Innsbruck with the Best Chances for Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Graz would have provided a good backdrop for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, it was announced. The Styrian capital meets all the criteria of a good host - especially now, hosting the event would have been a strong signal for the city, it was said in reference to the rampage in early June at a school in Graz.

Councilor Claudia Schönbacher from the KFG said regarding the cancellation of Graz's ESC bid: "I would have welcomed the ESC as an opportunity for the economy because one must invest precisely in times of poor economic conditions to stimulate growth again. However, the city of Graz cannot bear the necessary payments alone due to the poor budgetary situation - the available figures and discussions with the federal and state governments have unfortunately clearly confirmed our opinion that Graz cannot finance this."

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Innsbruck Reaffirms Claim

That Vienna is applying to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest is explicitly stated in the red-pink government program. And the Innsbruck city council has already given the "green light" for the application. While Graz withdrew from the ESC race, Innsbruck's Mayor Johannes Anzengruber reaffirmed on Friday that they would throw all their energy into the fight for the title of host city. Innsbruck offers everything the ESC needs - and more, was the shared credo, it was said in a statement.

Innsbruck fits into the lineup of past ESC cities like Basel, Malmö, or Liverpool - internationally renowned, yet manageable and approachable. With the Olympiahalle as the venue, the Tivoli Stadium, the small ice rink, and the ice ring, they offer the perfect infrastructure. "I can understand that some are still skeptical. But I am convinced: at the latest, when locals and guests celebrate together, it will become an unforgettable festival for everyone," said Peter Paul Mölk, chairman of Innsbruck Tourism, optimistically.

Which city will ultimately win the race is still open. Potential ESC host cities must submit their detailed documents to ORF by July 4 at the latest. The decision on the venue is expected to be made by mid-August. The cities are subject to a comprehensive confidentiality catalog. The final of the largest music competition will take place either on May 16 or 23, 2026.

(APA/red)

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