Oberwart goes away empty -handed: No application for ESC 2026 submitted!

Oberwart goes away empty -handed: No application for ESC 2026 submitted!

The Burgenland city of Oberwart has decided to do without an application for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026. Mayor Georg Rosner (ÖVP) had brought the Oberwarter exhibition hall into conversation as a possible showcase, but now it has been determined that the hall did not meet the necessary criteria. According to municipal spokeswoman Kerstin Zsifkovits-Tatferner, no necessary documents were submitted, and this despite the current period that ends on July 4, 2025. This leaves Oberwart on the route and misses the chance to become one of the venues for the big music event.

Austria won the ESC 2026, which increases the anticipation for the event in many cities in the country. The application process for the Host City is already in full swing. Even if Oberwart is no longer in the race, other communities are waiting to apply. The documents must be submitted to the ORF by the above date. Interested cities have to meet strict criteria of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), including the availability of a fully equipped event hall and compliance with security and organizational standards.

economic opportunities for host cities

For the cities who manage to gain the organization of the ESC, not only wave fame and honor, but also considerable economic advantages. As the examples of Liverpool 2023 and Basel show after the ESC, these cities benefited enormously from tourism: Liverpool recorded 473,000 visitors and additional sales of around £ 55 million, while Basel had over 500,000 guests and a hotel utilization of 95%. Such numbers are a great motivation for the cities who want to participate in the application process.

The minimum requirements for the exhibition sites should not be underestimated. The hall must be available exclusively for at least eight weeks, and the audience should have space for around 10,000 people. The application process takes place in two phases: First of all, an expression of interest is due on which interested cities receive detailed application documents. Anyone who reports early has the chance of faster processing.

The anticipation for the ESC 2026, which will take place in Austria, is great. The application documents must be submitted electronically by July 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (CEST). ORF, however, is covered by which cities will ultimately endeavor to the event. One thing is certain: the competition for the execution becomes anything but light and many communities will fight for the favor of the EBU.

Further information on the application process and the conditions of participation can be found on the ORF website: ORF ESC 2026 Information and Application Host City.