Capital, primate city of Austria, a hub of culture, diplomacy and history
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 has confirmed artists from at least 10 Asian countries, with more expected before the final in November. The event, hosted in Bangkok, aims to showcase regional culture and talent, marking a new chapter for the contest's 70th anniversary. The main Eurovision contest remains scheduled for Vienna in May, with some countries boycotting due to political tensions.
Eurovision 2026 is set to unfold in Vienna with 35 countries competing. Several broadcasters have pulled out in protest of Israel's inclusion amid the Gaza war. Slovenia will not broadcast the contest, opting to show films about Palestine; other countries have made similar decisions or limited coverage. The event maintains a governance framework intended to keep politics off the stage, but tensions remain evident around the competition’s political neutrality.
Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Milan's design scene remains vibrant. The Milan Furniture Fair and Fuorisalone attract thousands of exhibitors and visitors, showcasing innovative designs. Meanwhile, Vienna's Klima Biennale features environmental art addressing climate change, reflecting a global focus on sustainability.
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats, bringing the total to 14 since 2020, after a foreign ministry briefing and ORF reporting that antennas on Moscow’s Vienna premises intercepted data from international organisations. Vienna vows a broader crackdown on espionage and tighter laws, while Russia denounces the move and pledges retaliation.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation in the Gaza war, leaving 35 participating nations. Ireland has sparked controversy by showing a Father Ted episode during the final; the Eurovision voting process faces scrutiny after a NYT report alleging a state-backed campaign to boost Israel. Eurovision chief Green says efforts are ongoing to bring back missing broadcasters; new limits on voting have been introduced.
Finalists including Poland, Greece and Australia have progressed to the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna. Hosts and the Eurovision “Big Four” are automatically through, while other countries compete in semi-finals. UK entry Look Mum No Computer will perform in the semi-finals, with full broadcast options available.
Bulgaria has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara's Bangaranga, finishing on 516 points. Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second on 343 points amid protests and a five-country boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Organisers have tightened voting rules after allegations of organised voting for Israel.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a sweeping housing plan aimed at delivering 200,000 affordable homes, expanding public and nonprofit ownership, and reforming construction rules. While supporters say it will unlock supply at scale, critics warn it could slow development and raise costs for landlords and tenants. The plan is being rolled out with a focus on building through public, nonprofit, and private partnerships.
Two ex-Syrian intelligence officers have been brought to trial in Austria on charges of torture, coercion and other abuses against detainees in Raqqa between 2011 and 2013. Khaled al-Halabi and Musab Abu Rukbah have pleaded not guilty; the case marks Austria’s first against Assad-era officials.
The city is pushing large-scale housing reforms, with mayoral plans to expand affordable housing and convert unused properties underway. But residents in Mitchell-Lama Tracey Towers face a 30.6% rent hike over four years to cover mortgage and operating costs, highlighting the tension between expansion and affordability.
The IAEA Board of Governors has backed a US-led resolution urging Iran to declare remaining enriched uranium stocks and allow inspectors access. The move comes as US-Iran strikes resume in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions and complicating ongoing ceasefire talks.
Gold has trimmed losses after U.S. inflation data showed softer price pressures, but the metal remains under pressure as energy costs and a wary stance on rate rises weigh on demand. Copper and precious metals also move lower on the session.