Trade union vida to ORF: Tender for ESC 2026 needs stricter security criteria

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will take place from 12 to 16 May 2026 in the Wiener Stadthalle . Millions of people around the world will be looking at Austria. To ensure that Europe's largest music event not only shines, but also takes place safely, a comprehensive security concept with the highest quality standards is required. The trade union vida is therefore calling on ORF to take a particularly close look at the tender for security services.

Quality has to decide – not the lowest price

"ORF is responsible for awarding contracts for the security companies at the ESC 2026. We therefore expressly ask the decision-makers to include our demands in the tenders and contracts," says Kopp.

This applies not only to the main events in the Stadthalle, but also to all fringe events around the Song Contest. It is precisely there that the award must be consistently made according to the best bidder principle . Security is not a bargain item.

Security comes from education – not from hope

Recent experience with cancelled major events clearly shows what is at stake. "The cancelled Taylor Swift concerts are still in our bones. Let's create security through training!" says Kopp. Well-trained security personnel protect not only visitors and artists, but also colleagues behind the scenes - and the security personnel themselves.

As a public broadcaster, ORF has a particular responsibility to set a good example.

Central demands of the trade union vida for the ESC 2026

To ensure that the ESC 2026 can be held safely and professionally, the trade union vida is calling for binding quality criteria in the tender:

1. Consistent background checks
Background checks of employees must be carried out in depth and centrally via a single body .

2. Extended mandatory training, including:

• Communication, Culture & Conflict Management: 24 hours
• First aid: 16 hours ( including 8 hours for boosters)
• Self-protection and third-party protection: 24 hours
• Behaviour in case of emergency, danger and panic: 16 hours
• Additional training for activities in sensitive areas such as entrances and emergency exits

3. Fair and correct remuneration
Correct classification, payment of overtime and compliance with working hours must be bindingly controlled .

4. Clear responsibilities
Responsible key persons must be determined for every 25 employees . These are essential for guidance, coordination and safety.

Listen to experts – security needs clear standards

Gernot Kopp himself comes from the security industry. For years, the trade union vida has been campaigning for a security service law with strict, uniform standards for training and background checks.

"As long as these legal quality criteria do not exist, it is all the more important that clients pay particular attention to the training and reliability of the personnel employed in tenders," Kopp emphasizes. This is not only about protecting the local people, but also about Austria's international reputation.

First round of awards underway – vida offers expertise

The first round of contract award runs until 8 January. The trade union vida signals a willingness to talk: "For questions or detailed coordination, we are always available as experts to those responsible at ORF," Kopp concludes.

The ESC 2026 is a big stage - and safety is not a minor matter, but a basic requirement.