Participation in the contest is primarily open to all active member broadcasters of the EBU. To be an active member, broadcasters must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union, or be in a Council of Europe member country. Eligibility to participate is not determined by geographic inclusion within the continent of Europe, despite the "Euro" in "Eurovision" — nor does it have a direct connection with the European Union. Several countries geographically outside the boundaries of Europe have competed: Cyprus, Armenia and Israel, in Western Asia, since 2003, 2007 and 2012 respectively; and Australia making a debut in the 2015 contest. In addition, several transcontinental countries with only part of their territory in Europe have competed: Russia, since 2005; Georgia, since 2007; Azerbaijan, since 2012; and Kazakhstan, which made its first appearance in the 2018 edition. Australia, where the contest has been broadcast since 2003, debuted as a participant in the 2015 edition.