TV3 has been accepted as an "auxiliary member" of the European Broadcasting Union. The move strengthens its European ties but does not grant access to Eurovision. The decision highlights the unique position of Catalonia's public media.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU-UER) has approved the entry of 3Cat, the group that includes TV3, as an "auxiliary member"—a new category designed for broadcasters without national reach. This decision, made at the EBU's General Assembly, marks a significant step for Catalonia's public media, which has long sought closer integration with major European broadcasters. However, the new status comes with a clear limitation: TV3 will not be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, a privilege reserved for full national members.
For years, the Corporación Catalana de Medios Audiovisuales (CCMA) has pushed for EBU membership, with the issue even becoming a key promise in Esquerra Republicana's European election campaign. The new "auxiliary member" status allows 3Cat to collaborate with 114 members across 56 European countries and 31 associate members worldwide. It opens the door to sharing news content, exchanging best practices, and accessing resources, especially in areas like digital transformation and regional journalism. Yet, the lack of national coverage means TV3 remains excluded from Eurovision, a decision confirmed by EBU representatives during the assembly.
3Cat's relationship with the EBU is not new. The broadcaster has worked with the union for over 15 years, particularly through Catalunya Música. This established cooperation was one of the reasons behind the creation of the auxiliary member category, tailored for public operators like 3Cat. According to EBU president Noel Curran, 3Cat brings valuable experience in Catalan-language content and public service journalism, reinforcing the diversity of the European media landscape.
Despite the new affiliation, the rules of the EBU remain strict regarding Eurovision participation. Only full national members, such as Radio Televisión Española (RTVE), retain the right to represent Spain at the contest. TV3's only potential path to Eurovision would be if RTVE declined to participate, as happened in the previous edition due to a protest over Israel's involvement. Otherwise, the allocation of Eurovision slots depends on national coverage or special invitations, as seen with countries like Australia and Israel.
The EBU's decision also included granting membership to CBC/Radio Canada, further expanding the union's international reach. Esquerra Republicana has publicly celebrated the development, emphasizing the increased legitimacy and European identity it brings to Catalan public media. Party leader Oriol Junqueras highlighted that TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio will now stand alongside major European broadcasters such as the BBC, France TV, RAI, and Deutsche Welle, even if Eurovision remains out of reach for now.
For context, the EBU is the world's largest alliance of public service media organizations, known for setting industry standards and organizing major events like Eurovision. Its membership structure distinguishes between full and auxiliary members, with the latter lacking certain rights, including participation in flagship events. The move to admit 3Cat as an auxiliary member reflects ongoing debates about regional representation in European media and the evolving landscape of public broadcasting in Spain and beyond.
