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Vienna Police Tighten Security for Eurovision Over Protests Targeting Israel's Entry

Authorities call the contest one of Vienna’s biggest security operations.

Overview

  • Police say they expect blockades and other disruption attempts around the Eurovision events, with the highest risk on the day of the final.
  • Officers will enforce a 1.5 km drone ban around venues and run airport‑style screening that allows only small, clear bags, including checks at the City Hall fan zone.
  • The FBI will provide a round‑the‑clock cyber liaison in New York to help Austria counter hacking threats to the contest.
  • The lineup features 35 countries, the fewest since 2004, after several withdrawals over Israel’s participation, with Spain’s RTVE and Ireland’s RTE among those boycotting coverage.
  • The eve of the final falls on Nakba Day, which police say carries strong emotional weight for pro‑Palestine groups and could drive larger protest turnouts.