Basel hands over role of host to Vienna as 2026 Eurovision Song Contest starts

“This moment signals the beginning of the cycle” Martin Green, head of Eurovision Song Contest said on Monday (January 12) as the former host Basel handed over its role to successor Vienna.

“This moment never fails to thrill us”, Green said, adding that 35 national broadcasters were now preparing all their competitions, which meant that over 900 new songs were currently coming into the public eye. 

During a ceremony at the city hall the order of appearance of all participating countries in the Eurovision 2026 semifinals were drawn and later published on the contest’s website.

The 70th edition of the contest in May will have just 35 entries, the smallest number of participants since 2003, after five national broadcasters including those of Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands said they would boycott the show in protest at Israel's participation.

ORF and the Austrian government were among the biggest supporters of Israel participating. ORF Director General Roland Weissmann said on Monday “Unfortunately, some countries are sitting out this year. We extend our hands in welcome to the three countries that are returning after a few years' break: Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova.” 

Those boycotting said it would be unconscionable to take part given the number of civilians killed in Gaza as part of Israel's retaliation to the October 7 attack by Hamas in 2023. 

-Christine Uyanik, Ayhan Uyanik and Lena Toepler/Reuters