Inside Eurovision’s FBI and Mossad ring of metal to cease ‘largest terror menace’
Bomb detection dogs, drone defences and hundreds of police officers are just part of the operation to protect the 70th Song Contest in Vienna
The event is said to be a dream for terrorists(Image: APA/AFP via Getty Images)
Top level security is in place ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final amid fears a major terror attack is planned. Security forces have been working around the clock for the past few weeks in the lead up to the annual event amid fears a threat could be carried out in front of the world live.
Bomb detection dogs, drone defences and hundreds of police officers have been drafted in to protect those heading to the song contest, which this year is taking place in Vienna. Peter Narbe, ex-head of security for Eurovision in Malmö in 2013 and 2024, lifted the lid on the operation around the “highly-exposed event”, and revealed how the event is a “dream” for those wanting to carry out an attack, due to the sheer number of people in the area.
He claims that Austrian Police have teamed up with private security teams in the weeks leading up to the event. He said: “Preparation is key for hosting Eurovision and they have been doing their homework.
“Five to six weeks ahead of Eurovision, the teams have all been in an operative mode 24/7.
“They start with a mini bubble – no threats, no wrong people, and nothing hidden – and then they build outwards as a lot of trailers start arriving and stage equipment as well as merchandise.
“The bubble gets bigger and bigger until the event starts. Private security management, police, other authorities… [they are all] involved in the set up at the venue. It’s a multi agency approach.
“It is on the same level as airport security – that is what it is all about.”
He added that all of those involved in the event – from cleaners, to catering staff and sound check engineers – have had to have high level security checks to make it as safe as possible.
He added to The Sun : “One thing that no one really thinks that much about is that this is kind of like a training camp for the security teams, which is a good thing.
“They have been at the same location and at the same spot [for weeks] so they have had the opportunity to adjust and get better.
“By the time the Eurovision finale arrives, the organisation is on top form as they also have already had the practice from the live TV events.”
Dieter Csefan, Vice President of the State Police Directorate, added that “this is one of the largest security operations Austria has ever run.”
Dr Nicolas Stockhammer, a counter-terror expert at the Danube University Krems, agreed that this is one of the most dangerous events in recent years for the popular music contest.
“This kind of a massive event takes all necessary preparations… on site immediately, but also in preventing any potential terrorist plots.
“This requires international cooperation with intelligence services and law enforcement bodies, which is happening.
“One major threat is potential attacks in the public viewing zones that are much more difficult to secure than the stadium site, which can be secured in a better manner.
“There is always the possibility that a terrorist attack might happen.”
