Canada Joins Eurovision Song Contest as Full EBU Member, Debuts in 2027

Canada has officially joined the Eurovision Song Contest after becoming a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The announcement came following a vote by EBU members at the general assembly in Prague last week, granting Canada eligibility to participate starting in 2027. The country confirmed it will take part in the contest for the first time next year.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney proposed joining Eurovision as part of the 2025 national budget, aiming to strengthen Canada's economic and political ties with Europe. Despite not competing in this year's contest held in Vienna, Canada showed significant enthusiasm by actively participating in the "Rest of the World" voting segment and being among the largest ticket buyers outside Europe.

Over Eurovision's 70-year history, several Canadian artists have competed representing other countries, most notably Celine Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988, and Sherisse Laurence, who represented Luxembourg in 1986 and placed third. Canada plans to announce its selection process for its first Eurovision representative later this year.

Canada becomes the third non-European country to join Eurovision, following Israel and Australia. Australia has participated since 2015, and Israel since 1973. Both countries performed strongly in the latest contest, with Israel's Noam Batan finishing second and Australia's Delta Goodrem placing fourth, while Bulgaria's Dara won with the song "Banga Ranga."