Canada is now eligible to compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after its public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The decision followed a vote at the EBU’s 96th General Assembly in Prague, upgrading Canada’s long-standing relationship with the union.
Full Membership Granted
As an associate member since 1950, CBC/Radio-Canada had collaborated with European broadcasters on journalism, standards, and technology. Full membership grants access to all EBU collaborations, including participation in Eurovision. Canada joins non-European countries like Israel, Australia, and Morocco, as well as transcontinental nations such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, which have previously taken part.
EBU and CBC Leaders React
Noel Curran, EBU Director General, said: “CBC/Radio-Canada has been part of the EBU family since our foundation in 1950. As one of the world’s leading public broadcasters, it has already contributed hugely to our Union. Full Membership means we can now do even more together.”
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, added: “This new chapter will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential. It’s an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression.”
Broader Implications
The vote followed a revision to the EBU’s Statutes, allowing extra-European membership for broadcasters from countries with public service media aligned with Council of Europe standards and formal observer status. CBC/Radio-Canada, founded in 1936, now serves Canadians across six time zones in English, French, and eight Indigenous languages. The EBU’s membership spans 115 organizations across 57 countries.
