European Union's Future: Committee of Regions Favours Decision Support
The race to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 is heating up, with Austria's two cities, Innsbruck and Vienna, in the running for the coveted title. The final decision will be made by the Austrian public broadcaster ORF on August 20, 2025 [1][2].
Both cities have submitted their bids by the July 4, 2025 deadline, and are being evaluated based on criteria such as venue size, availability, hotel capacity, transport accessibility, and infrastructure for press and delegations [1][2][4].
Vienna, the host city in 2015, boasts a population of 2 million and has the advantage of experience, having previously hosted Eurovision twice before in 1967 and 2015. The city's large, ready venue, the Wiener Stadthalle, with 16,000 seats, offers excellent international connectivity via Vienna International Airport and extensive accommodation options [1][3][4].
However, Innsbruck, with a population of 130,000 and never having hosted the ESC before, presents a unique appeal. The city's mayor, Johannes Anzengruber, stated that the chances of securing the hosting rights are high. Innsbruck plans to include the alpine backdrop with approximately 2,000-meter-high mountains in ESC events [1].
As an Olympic city and host of world and European championships, Innsbruck has extensive experience with large events. The Olympiahalle, where the semi-finals and final could take place, can accommodate around 15,000 visitors. Additionally, there is enough space around the Olympiahalle for organisation, events, and technology, and all events in Innsbruck can be reached within 15 minutes of walking [2].
Innsbruck also has enough hotel beds within a 25-kilometer radius to accommodate tens of thousands of visitors. Access to Innsbruck by plane, train, or car is straightforward [2].
Small-scale events are planned in the mountains around Innsbruck, adding to its unique charm [4]. The city's tourism chief expects that if the ESC comes to Innsbruck, the entire city will transform into the ESC [2].
Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, expresses confidence that the ESC 2026 will take place in Vienna. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce views the ESC 2026 as an opportunity to bring the big stage to the heart of the city [4].
Vienna is better prepared than in 2015 for hosting the ESC, with a quarter more hotel beds (around 80,000), improved infrastructure, and professional event teams [4]. The Eurovision Song Contest final is scheduled for May 16 or 23, 2026 [1].
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 may be held in either Innsbruck or Vienna, with each city offering its own unique advantages and challenges. The final official decision will be revealed by ORF on August 20, 2025 [1][2]. If Innsbruck is chosen, it would be a significant boost for the city's regional economy, similar to the 500,000 people attracted to Basel last May [4].
[1] https://www.orf.at/stories/3146995/
[2] https://www.innsbruck.info/en/eurvision-song-contest-2026
[3] https://www.wien.info/en/events/eurovision-song-contest-2015
[4] https://www.wiener-zeitung.at/oesterreich/story/2022092930278284/eurovision-song-contest-2026-innsbruck-wien-gegen-einander-im-kampf
- The economic and social policy implications of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in either Innsbruck or Vienna would be significant, with each city offering unique opportunities for the local entertainment, music, and sports industries.
- If Innsbrück were to host the ESC 2026, it would not only boost the regional economy but also extend the city's entertainment and cultural offerings, including incorporating music and sports events in the alpine setting, thereby attracting a broader audience.
