Kazakhstan’s Eurovision hopes for 2027 have encountered a significant setback. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) recently rejected an application from the state-owned Khabar Agency for full membership. This decision effectively prevents the Central Asian nation from competing in the glitzy annual song contest next year.
The EBU stated on Thursday that Khabar Agency does not currently qualify for full membership. It explained that Kazakhstan falls outside the European Broadcasting Area. Moreover, the country is not a Council of Europe member and lacks formal observer status with the organization.
These requirements are clearly outlined in the EBU’s statutes. Notably, these rules were relaxed in June to allow some broadcasters from countries outside Europe to gain full membership. Khabar Agency, however, remains a valued Associate Member of the EBU, appreciating its long-standing engagement.
Associate membership does not provide an automatic pathway into the senior contest. Khabar Agency previously took Kazakhstan to Junior Eurovision five times between 2018 and 2022, achieving runner-up status twice. This success, however, does not translate to the main competition.
Some argue that a small portion of Kazakhstan lies within geographical Europe, strengthening its case. The European Union also stands as the country’s largest trading partner. Nevertheless, geography alone often proves not to be a decisive factor for Eurovision entry.
For example, Australia has competed through special invitations since 2015, achieving fourth place earlier this year. Canada offers another precedent; its national broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, became a full EBU member after the rule changes. Canada qualified due to its observer status with the Council of Europe and its adherence to EBU public-service-media criteria. Consequently, Canada will make its Eurovision debut in 2027.
This rejection emerges as Eurovision grapples with various geopolitical considerations. Several broadcasters boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, for instance, has already confirmed it will sit out again in 2027. For now, Kazakhstan’s Eurovision hopes remain on hold, with Khabar Agency limited to its current associate membership.
