Austrian officials, including Chancellor Christian Stocker and ÖVP secretary general Alexander Pröll, announced that Austria will not host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is boycotted. The EBU will vote on Israel's participation amid pressure from several countries due to the Gaza conflict. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany would withdraw if Israel is excluded. Austria risks a €40 million penalty for refusing to host, despite Israel's long-standing participation since 1973. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)