The European Broadcasting Union has rejected an application from Kazakhstan state broadcaster Khabar to enter the Eurovision Song Contest.
The decision was reported by news outlet Politico following an official statement issued by the organisers of the international music event.
In its statement, the European Broadcasting Union explained that Kazakhstan is located outside the European Broadcasting Area. Organisers added that the country is not a member of the Council of Europe and does not hold official observer status with the organisation.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition produced by the European Broadcasting Union. Participating public broadcasters submit original songs to perform live on television. Khabar Agency operates as the primary national state television and radio broadcaster in Kazakhstan, a transcontinental nation situated mainly in Central Asia.
Broadcasting Area and Membership Rules
The European Broadcasting Union is an international alliance of public service media organisations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1950, the EBU organises major international broadcasting events. Full active membership in the union is restricted to broadcasting organisations within the European Broadcasting Area or within member states of the Council of Europe, an international organisation based in Strasbourg, France, that focuses on democracy and human rights.
Status of Russian Participation
In separate comments on competition entry rules, Eurovision director Martin Green stated in May that no discussions were taking place concerning a potential return for Russia to the contest.
Green noted that Russia was suspended from the event not because of its military operation in Ukraine, but due to a lack of evidence demonstrating the independence of state broadcaster VGTRK from Russian government authorities.
VGTRK, known formally as the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, is Russia's primary state-owned broadcasting enterprise. The organisation operates multiple national television channels and radio stations across the country.
