Vienna – Tens of thousands of fans flocked to Vienna this week for the Eurovision Song Contest, where Austria’s security preparations included nuclear safeguards supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The UN nuclear watchdog provided Austria’s Federal Police and Interior Ministry with radiation detection equipment and technical guidance to help deter and respond to potential nuclear threats during one of the world’s largest public events.
“Major international events like Eurovision require strong security preparations, including nuclear security measures, that work quietly in the background,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “Our support included radiation detection instruments and sharing expertise that helps authorities manage risks effectively.”
The contest, staged over nine live shows at Vienna’s Stadthalle arena, concluded with Saturday’s Grand Final. Organisers forecast more than 200,000 visitors, including 95,000 ticket-holders and over 100,000 attending related events across the city. Vienna hosted Eurovision for the third time, following wins by Udo Jürgens in 1966, Conchita Wurst in 2014 and JJ in 2025.
In the run-up to the event, the IAEA worked with Austria’s Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Competence Center to train police in the use of radiation detection devices. Authorities carried out pre-event radiation surveys at the venue and surrounding areas as part of a discreet security plan.
“Forward-looking operational planning, meticulous preparation, and interagency cooperation are essential to ensuring the highest possible level of security at major events,” Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said. He added that Austrian police were working with German counterparts, emergency services and the IAEA to safeguard attendees.
The IAEA has supported nuclear security at 89 major public events in 49 countries since 2004, including sporting tournaments and international summits. It previously assisted Ukraine when it hosted Eurovision in 2017.
