Story perspectives

Vienna launches massive Eurovision security amid protests, boycotts

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vienna police have called the Eurovision biggest security operation because they expect blockades and disruptive protests.
Police will require airport-level screenings, limit bags to transparent ones, and ban drones within 1.5 km.
The FBI will set up a New York cyber-threat task force that Austrian authorities can contact 24/7.
Five broadcasters, including Spain’s RTVE and Ireland’s RTE, are boycotting the contest.
Police have registered up to 3,000 protestors for next week.

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Story summary

Vienna police have called the Eurovision biggest security operation because they expect blockades and disruptive protests.
Police will require airport-level screenings, limit bags to transparent ones, and ban drones within 1.5 km.
The FBI will set up a New York cyber-threat task force that Austrian authorities can contact 24/7.
Five broadcasters, including Spain’s RTVE and Ireland’s RTE, are boycotting the contest.
Police have registered up to 3,000 protestors for next week.