As Vienna prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Austria is setting a strong sustainable example, with local agriculture supplying the Wiener Stadthalle. BIO AUSTRIA is actively involved in ensuring a high organic share in the event’s catering services, reinforcing the country’s commitment to green practices.
Vienna’s Green Event for Eurovision 2026
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled to take place in Vienna from 12 to 16 May, is set to be a landmark event not only musically but also environmentally. Following Austria’s win in the 2025 edition, the Wiener Stadthalle will once again welcome Europe, with host broadcaster ORF committed to making the event a ‘Green Event’ certified by the Austrian Ecolabel, mirroring efforts from the 2015 contest.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the focus on regional and organic produce. Local agriculture will play a crucial role in supplying the catering for VIPs, crew, and guests, showcasing Austria’s rich agricultural heritage. BIO AUSTRIA, as a certification partner, is working alongside the independent control body Austria Bio Garantie to meticulously assess and increase the organic proportion across all catering areas. This initiative goes beyond the minimum requirements of the Ecolabel, aiming to set new standards for large-scale events globally.
Michael Krön, Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, emphasised that this high organic quota is not just a statement but a certified commitment, with transparent measurement across all catering sectors. Austria, with approximately 27% of its agricultural land managed organically, stands as a pioneer in organic farming within the EU. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will serve as a prominent platform to highlight this leadership and promote sustainable consumption practices to an international audience.
Michael Kron (Executive Producer of the ESC 2026) says:
A high organic quota isn’t just lip service; it’s certified. For the first time, we’re recording organic certification across all catering areas. We’re disclosing everything and having everything measured – this is unusual for an event of this scale, but it shows how seriously we take it. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is not only intended to set musical standards, but also to serve as a learning and reference project for major events worldwide.
Anita Malli (Head of Enviroment of Sustainability at ORF) says:
Catering is one of the areas where we as organizers really have leverage. The organic quota and the use of regional products are part of a comprehensive sustainability concept that we are consistently implementing for the ESC 2026.
