The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed today that Canada has been granted associate membership, clearing the way for the country to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. The decision, announced at a press conference in Geneva, marks a significant expansion of the competition beyond its traditional European boundaries.
Canada will join as an associate member of the EBU, a status that allows participation in Eurovision without full membership of the union. The move follows months of negotiations between Canadian broadcasters and the EBU, and is seen as a strategic effort to broaden the contest's global appeal while reinforcing cultural ties within the Commonwealth.
Eurovision, which has been broadcast in Canada for decades, has long enjoyed a dedicated following. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will serve as the national broadcaster responsible for selecting and submitting the country's entry. Canadian artists will now compete alongside representatives from nearly 40 nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel.
Analysts view the decision as part of a broader British-led initiative to strengthen soft power links among Commonwealth nations. The contest, originally conceived in the 1950s to foster European unity after the Second World War, has increasingly embraced participants from outside the continent. Australia joined in 2015, and the inclusion of Canada solidifies a trend toward a more globalised competition.
However, the expansion has not been without controversy. Some traditionalists argue that the contest risks losing its European identity. EBU Director-General Noel Curran addressed these concerns, stating that the organisation's criteria for participation are based on geographic and cultural ties, not solely on continental boundaries. “Canada shares values of diversity, creativity, and musical excellence that are central to Eurovision,” he said.
The Canadian entry will follow the same rules as all participants, including the requirement for original songs and live vocals. The CBC has yet to announce its selection process, but a source within the broadcaster indicated that an open call for submissions is likely.
Canada's debut is expected to be in the 2025 contest, pending final logistical arrangements. The move adds a new dimension to Eurovision's evolving landscape, which has seen a rise in viewership outside Europe in recent years. The contest's final in 2023 attracted an estimated 200 million viewers globally.
For the United Kingdom, which co-finances the contest alongside other major broadcasters, the inclusion of Canada reinforces its role as a cultural bridge between Europe and the wider English-speaking world. The decision also aligns with London's post-Brexit strategy of deepening ties with Commonwealth partners.
Reaction from Canadian musicians has been broadly positive. Many see Eurovision as a platform to reach a global audience. “It’s a huge opportunity for Canadian artists to showcase their talent on one of the world’s biggest stages,” said a spokesperson for the Canadian Independent Music Association.
Critics, however, question whether the contest’s current format can accommodate an ever-growing pool of participants. The semifinal system would need adjustment to include additional acts, and the EBU is reportedly considering structural changes to avoid overly long broadcasts.
Despite these challenges, the decision signals the EBU's confidence in Eurovision’s future as a global cultural event. Canada’s entry may also encourage other Commonwealth nations, such as New Zealand or South Africa, to seek associate membership, though no formal applications have been submitted.
The next Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for May 2025, with Canada's participation pending final confirmation of the host city. The EBU has assured that all member broadcasters will be given adequate time to prepare.
