CBC/Radio-Canada has been admitted as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union following a vote at the EBU's 96th general assembly in Prague. The move gives Canada access to member-only journalism and music exchange networks and makes it eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU amended its statutes to allow extra-European broadcasters that meet Council of Europe standards to join. The decision drew praise from CBC leadership and the EBU, though Eurovision participation can be politically contentious in some cases.
Canada Joins European Broadcasting Union — Could Compete in Eurovision
Here, German candidate Sarah Engels on stage. (is associated with: «Canada becomes EBU member, paving way to Eurovision Song Contest entry») Jens Büttner/dpa
Canada's public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, has been admitted as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after a vote at the EBU's 96th general assembly in Prague. The change gives CBC access to member-only networks and services and makes Canada eligible to enter the Eurovision Song Contest in future editions.
What Membership Means
Having worked with EBU members as an associate since the 1950s, CBC/Radio-Canada will now gain full access to collaborative platforms for investigative journalism, verification, digital news and data sharing, in addition to the Eurovision News Exchange and the Euroradio Music Exchange.
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, said: "Thank you to the European Broadcasting Union for welcoming CBC/Radio-Canada as a full member. This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our co-operation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential."
Bouchard added that full membership will help combat disinformation, support cultural expression and broaden the reach of Canadian perspectives in Europe through immediate participation in the Eurovision News Exchange.
Why the Change Was Possible
The EBU revised its statutes at the general assembly to allow extra-European broadcasters to join as full members, provided they align with core Council of Europe standards and hold formal observer status with the Council of Europe. That change opened the door for CBC/Radio-Canada’s elevation from associate to full membership.
Noel Curran, Director-General of the EBU, 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 on platform accountability, trusted news and the resilience that public broadcasters need to build for the years ahead."
Eurovision Eligibility and Political Sensitivities
Although Canada has never competed in the Eurovision Song Contest, full EBU membership makes participation possible. Non-European entrants are rare but not unprecedented: Australia has competed since 2015 while holding associate membership, and Israel has competed since 1973 as an EBU member.
Israel's participation has been controversial: Amnesty International criticised the EBU for not suspending Israel over its actions in Gaza, arguing that the union applied a double standard after suspending Russia in 2022 for its invasion of Ukraine. The issue has prompted protests and some delegations to boycott recent contests.
This year’s Eurovision was won by Bulgaria’s entrant Dara with the song "Bangaranga," meaning the 2027 contest will be hosted in Bulgaria for the first time.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
Founded in 1936 as a radio service, CBC/Radio-Canada is now a multi-platform public service media organisation serving Canadians across six time zones in English, French and eight Indigenous languages.
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