Vienna police warned on May 5 that protests against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest could include blockades and disruption attempts, calling the event one of their largest security operations. Several broadcasters, including RTVE and RTE, are boycotting Israel over the Gaza war that followed Hamas's October 2023 attacks. Authorities have registered a small number of demonstrations that could draw up to 3,000 people and noted that the final's eve coincides with Nakba Day. Security measures include a 1.5 km drone ban, 24/7 FBI cyber support, and airport-style screenings with only small transparent bags allowed.
Vienna Braces For Protests At Eurovision Final As Police Warn Of Possible Blockades
A police officer walks with a K9 unit as police present security measures ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, April 29, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
VIENNA, May 5 (Reuters) - Vienna police said they are preparing for protests against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and expect actions that could include blockades and attempts to disrupt the event, calling the competition one of the largest security operations they have managed.
Organisers are staging the pop music spectacle amid heightened tensions after five national broadcasters, including Spain's RTVE and Ireland's RTE, announced boycotts over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, which followed Hamas's October 2023 attacks on Israel. Officials say the wider regional conflict, including tensions involving Iran, has further increased strain around the contest.
So far a small number of demonstrations have been registered for next week — mostly opposing Israel's entry but some in support — with organisers estimating attendance could reach up to 3,000 people. Under Austrian law, protest gatherings must be registered at least 48 hours in advance.
'We expect there will in fact be blockades and disruptive actions, particularly on the day of the final, whether through authorised or unauthorised gatherings,' said Xenia Zauner, a senior police official who will lead the security operation.
Protests against Israel's participation have become a recurring feature of recent editions of Eurovision. The eve of the final, Friday May 15, coincides this year with Nakba Day, when Palestinians mark the loss of land after the 1948 war that led to Israel's creation; the Arabic word 'nakba' means 'catastrophe.' Zauner noted that the date carries 'great emotional significance for the pro-Palestine movement.'
Security Measures
Authorities are preparing for a wide range of threats. Recreational drones will be banned within 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of several key sites, including the contest venue. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation will establish a task force in New York next week that Austrian officials can contact 24/7 to help counter cyber threats.
Although Austria's general terrorism alert level has remained at the second-highest notch for more than two years, Vienna police Vice President Dieter Csefan said there is currently no specific intelligence pointing to a direct threat against the contest.
People attending Eurovision should expect airport-style security screenings and will only be allowed to bring small, transparent bags into the venue, police added. Similar checks will be in place at a large public fan area in front of Vienna's city hall.
Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Alexandra Hudson.
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