Eurovision Host Austria Rejects Flag Bans And Muted Boos
December 16, 2025
10:20 am
Austria’s public broadcaster ORF said it will not block Palestinian flags in the audience or mute crowd reactions during Israel’s performance at the next Eurovision Song Contest, setting a different tone from recent editions that drew criticism over crowd control.
The announcement comes ahead of the 70th Eurovision final in May, which Austria will host after winning the 2024 contest. Organizers confirmed the show will proceed with 35 participating countries, the smallest lineup since 2003, following boycotts by several national broadcasters over Israel’s inclusion.
At a news conference in Vienna, Eurovision executive producer Michael Kroen said ORF would allow …
