During a recent press conference, ORF has provided more information on the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026 including details on possible rule changes with the EBU General Assembly only weeks away.
🇦🇹 ORF hints at rule changes for Eurovision Song Contest 2026
At a recent press conference, ORF Director General Roland Weißmann suggested rule changes could be implemented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 taking place in Vienna, Austria next May. Although he did not expand on what these changes are, Roland confirmed they will be discussed at the upcoming EBU General Assembly scheduled for December 4-5.
This comes following calls from a number of broadcasters to review the voting procedures of the contest. Many, including AVROTROS/NPO, NRK, RTVE, RTVSLO, RTÉ , RÚV, SMRTV, VRT and Yle have raised formal complaints with the EBU following the televote victory and second place for Israel. The EBU has since issued a formal statement. Members will vote on the rule changes, as well as holding a discussion on Israel’s participation at the EBU General Assembly.
Meanwhile ORF is aiming for a record-breaking 70th Anniversary contest. With Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania committed to returning and the recent shock announcement of Canada‘s interest, Roland Weißmann has declared an ambitious goal of beating the record of 43 participants last set in 2011.
We are promoting the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with as many participating countries as possible. And I am optimistic that we will have a record number of participating countries.
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