Canada Gains EBU Membership, Eligible for Eurovision 2027
Canada’s national broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, was granted full European Broadcasting Union (EBU) membership on June 25, 2025, making Canada eligible to compete in Eurovision. Officials later confirmed Canada will debut in the 2027 contest, to be held in Bulgaria. The move follows Eurovision’s tradition of including non-European participants like Australia and Israel. Meanwhile, five countries—Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—withdrew from the most recent contest over Israel’s involvement and the Gaza conflict, citing humanitarian and press freedom concerns.
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Canada Confirmed to Compete in Eurovision 2027 for the First Time
Eurovision officials have announced that Canada will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2027, following the country's broadcasters CBC and Radio-Canada joining the European Broadcasting Union. The 2027 contest will be held in Bulgaria after Bulgarian performer Dara won the 2026 edition with the song 'Bangaranga'. Eurovision director Martin Green welcomed Canada, noting its historical connection through Canadian artists like Celine Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988. Canada joins non-European participants Australia and Israel. The article also notes ongoing controversy over Israel's participation, with five countries having withdrawn in solidarity with Palestine and a sixth indicating similar plans.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Canada Confirmed to Compete in Eurovision 2027 for the First Time
Eurovision officials announced that Canada will participate in the song contest for the first time in 2027, following earlier reports of Canadian interest. The decision comes after Canada's national broadcasters, CBC and Radio-Canada, joined the European Broadcasting Union. The 2027 contest will be held in Bulgaria, after Bulgarian performer Dara won the 2026 edition. Eurovision director Martin Green welcomed Canada, citing the country's historical link through former winner Céline Dion, who represented Switzerland in 1988. The article also notes that non-European countries like Australia and Israel have long participated, though Israel's involvement remains controversial due to the Middle East conflict, leading to withdrawals by several countries in solidarity with Palestine.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Canada Now Eligible to Compete in Eurovision After EBU Full Membership
Canada has become eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after its national broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada was granted full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) during the 96th General Assembly in Prague on June 25. This upgrade from associate member status, which CBC held since the EBU's founding in 1950, gives Canada the right to compete. Eurovision boss Martin Green had previously signaled openness to Canadian participation. CBC spokesperson Leon Mar did not confirm immediate plans to enter, stating they would have more to say later. The article also notes that Eurovision has long included non-European participants such as Australia, Morocco, and Israel. However, several countries—including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—withdrew from the competition due to Israel's participation, citing humanitarian suffering in Gaza, restrictions on press freedom, and concerns about war and human rights violations.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Canada Now Eligible to Compete in Eurovision After EBU Full Membership
Canada has become eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after being granted full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) during its 96th General Assembly in Prague on June 25. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC/Radio-Canada), previously an associate member since the EBU's founding in 1950, was elevated to full member status. Eurovision boss Martin Green had suggested Canada was 'eyeing a spot' just over a month prior. However, CBC spokesperson Leon Mar has not confirmed participation, stating they will have more to say later. The article notes that despite its name, Eurovision has long included non-European participants such as Australia (since 2015), Morocco (1980), and Israel (since 1973). It also reports that multiple countries—Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—withdrew from the most recent contest due to Israel's involvement and the ongoing violence in Gaza, with broadcasters citing concerns over humanitarian suffering, press freedom restrictions, and political interference.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Canada Now Eligible to Compete in Eurovision After Gaining EBU Full Membership
Canada has officially become eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after its national broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, was granted full membership of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The decision was confirmed by a vote at the EBU's 96th General Assembly in Prague on 25 June 2025. CBC had long been an associate member of the EBU. While the development opens the door for a Canadian entry, CBC spokesperson Leon Mar said the broadcaster would reveal its plans regarding Eurovision later. The article also notes that Eurovision has historically included non-European participants such as Australia, Morocco, and Israel. In a separate context, the report mentions that multiple countries—Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—withdrew from the most recent contest due to Israel's involvement and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing concerns over humanitarian suffering and press freedom.
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