Kazakhstan may be one step closer to joining the Eurovision Song Contest, following discussions at the latest European Broadcasting Union (EBU) General Assembly in London.
Participation discussed at the EBU General Assembly
Kemelbek Oishybayev, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhstan’s national broadcaster Khabar Agency (Khabar), has revealed that he officially raised the topic of Kazakhstan’s potential Eurovision participation during a meeting with EBU director-general Noel Curran. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the EBU General Assembly, held last week at the BBC headquarters in London.
During the meeting, Oishybayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic geographical location, its ongoing involvement in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and the nation’s growing cultural ties with Europe. According to Oishybayev, Curran noted the importance of the proposal and confirmed that the matter will be discussed at the next EBU meeting. Oishybayev also stated on social media:
With EBU Director General Noel Curran, we discussed Kazakhstan’s participation in the contest. Our arguments: geography, participation in Junior Eurovision, and strengthening ties with the EU.
Kazakhstan has participated in Junior Eurovision since 2018 and has regularly expressed interest in joining the Eurovision Song Contest. However, as Khabar is not a full EBU member, the country has so far not been eligible for direct participation.
Interest grows ahead of Eurovision’s 70th anniversary
The discussion arrives at a significant moment, as the Eurovision Song Contest prepares to celebrate its 70th edition in 2026. With the milestone event taking place in Austria, conversations around expanding the pool of participating countries have gained traction. According to Kazakh media outlet 24.kz, Kazakhstan is reportedly being considered as one of the potential invitees.
The 2026 edition of Eurovision could serve as an opportunity for the EBU to reflect on the contest’s legacy and potentially open its doors to new countries. In recent years, other nations such as Kosovo’s RTK and Liechtenstein have also expressed interest in joining the Eurovision family.
No official decision regarding Kazakhstan’s participation has been confirmed as of now.
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News source: 24KZ, Khabar Agency
Photo credit: 24KZ
Euan T