'Whole world will be watching', says Austrian minister ahead of Eurovision week in Vienna

Austria has unveiled heightened security measures for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, activating a central command center to monitor key locations and coordinate emergency response. Officials say the preparations address potential risks from extremists while ensuring safety for thousands of international visitors.

Christine Uyanik, Anna Dittrich, Laura Urraca-Makuch/Reuters

12 May 2026 at 03:28:39

'Whole world will be watching', says Austrian minister ahead of Eurovision week in Vienna

Artists perform at the end of dress rehearsal 2 of the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 11, 2026.

Lisa Leutner/Reuters

Austrian authorities showcased their comprehensive security preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest on Monday (May 11), with officials saying they are prepared for potential threats from "extremists" during the high-profile international event.

At a specially established command center at Vienna police headquarters, National Police Force Vice President, Dieter Csefan, explained the facility ensures "a continuous and constant flow of information" to monitor locations across the city, including the EuroVillage set up for visitors.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasized that the event attracts global attention from both fans and potential threats, stating that "activists and extremists are keeping a very close eye on it."

The command center, equipped with multiple screens showing key Eurovision locations throughout Vienna, coordinates security operations while medical teams from the Workers' Samaritan Foundation stand ready to respond to any incidents, according to Austrian officials.

-Christine Uyanik, Anna Dittrich, Laura Urraca-Makuch/Reuters