EBU rejected Kazakhstan's application for full membership ahead of Eurovision-2027

• The EBU denied Kazakhstan full membership in the organization
• No special invitation to Eurovision-2027 is provided.
• Kazakhstan is closed to participation on general terms.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has decided not to grant the Kazakh state broadcasting agency 'Khabar' full member status in the organization. Such membership was a necessary condition for Kazakhstan's automatic admission to participate in the international song contest 'Eurovision-2027' on equal terms with other participating countries.

According to information received from the EBU, the refusal is final at this time. Representatives of the organization emphasized that there is no consideration of issuing a special invitation to Kazakhstan in the near future, which could have been an alternative way to participate in the contest. This means that the country is closed off from both the standard inclusion mechanism and exceptional procedures.

The EBU decision concerns the criteria that countries must meet to obtain membership in the organization. The European Broadcasting Union brings together national broadcasters from European countries and some neighboring regions, setting broadcasting standards and organizing joint projects. Membership in the EBU has traditionally served as a ticket to participate in 'Eurovision.'

Kazakhstan, geographically located in Asia but having historical and cultural ties to the European region, has repeatedly attempted to join the largest European structures. Participation in 'Eurovision' serves as a symbol of cultural integration and international recognition for many countries.

'Eurovision-2027' will take place in one of the European capitals. Currently, negotiations are underway to choose the host country. Organizing the contest requires careful coordination among participating countries, adherence to unified technical and legal standards, which is ensured by membership in the EBU.

Kazakhstan's rejection highlights the significance of full membership status in the European Broadcasting Union. The organization that manages the largest international song contest remains selective about the criteria for accepting new members, guided by its own statutory provisions and development strategy.

It is expected that in the coming months, the Kazakh side may make new attempts to revise its status in the eyes of the EBU, however, to date, no constructive signals have been received from the organization.

Source: Gazeta.ru Culture