On 12 January 2011, Ingrid Deltenre, EBU Director General, participated in the European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA) ceremony.

The EBBA Awards go to emerging European pop acts that enjoy success in Europe beyond their own borders. The awards, now in their eighth year, are funded by the EU Culture Programme and Eurosonic-Noorderslag, in partnership with the European music industry and the European Broadcasting Union.

Ms Deltenre gave a brief speech to the audience highlighting the EBU's important role in the EBBA Awards. The EBU is involved in the selection process of the winners and has a role in the distribution of the EBBA Awards on television and radio.

The EBBA awards mark the opening of the Eurosonic Festival, from 12 to 14 January in Groningen, the most extensive and progressive showcase festival in Europe. For more than 10 years, the EBU and its radio Members have been strongly involved in the Festival, broadcasting its recorded acts to thousands of European listeners.