It is the European Broadcasting Union, together with the Canadian public service broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, that is making the announcement.
According to Carolina Norén, longtime Eurovision correspondent for Swedish Radio, both Canada and the EBU stand to benefit from the collaboration.
"The EBU is fighting to keep the contest alive, and Canada is a large and uncontroversial country. It is good for the EBU's finances that Canada is joining," she tells TT.
Great interest
Canadian interest in Eurovision is strong, as shown when the country placed in the top three in the “Rest of the World” poll during the 70th edition in Vienna. Canadians were also among the largest ticket buyers outside Europe, with many traveling all the way there to see the live show in person.
For Canada, it is a strategic way to approach Europe, given the political situation in the United States, according to Carolina Norén.
For the EBU, it is also a PR win that Canada wants to participate, she says.
"In ecstasy"
"We are absolutely ecstatic to welcome CBC/Radio-Canada to the Eurovision Song Contest family - another sign that the contest, although born in Europe, continues to welcome the whole world. Canada has a proud and memorable connection with the contest. Canadian artists, not least 1988 winner Céline Dion, have stood on our stage many times and left a lasting impression on audiences around the world," said Martin Green, Head of Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, according to the press release.
Canada will compete in one of the semi-finals when the country makes its debut at the 2027 contest, which will be hosted in Bulgaria. CBC/Radio-Canada will announce how the country's entry will be selected later this year.
