Israeli cosmetics brand “Moroccan Oil” will remain the official sponsor of Eurovision for 2026.
The haircare brand Moroccan Oil has been named the official sponsor of Eurovision 2026, as revealed by the European Broadcasting Union’s new graphic designs, featuring the company alongside the updated event logo. This marks the sixth consecutive year of Moroccan Oil’s sponsorship, excluding the 2020 contest that was cancelled. What does this renewed partnership mean for the Israeli company, and could it impact Israel’s participation in the contest?
Criticism and Controversy: The Debate Around Sponsorship
The Israeli company Moroccan Oil has officially sponsored Eurovision since 2021. While this partnership appears strictly professional, the brand has come under fire, with several national broadcasters—such as Slovenia’s—expressing concern that the collaboration influences public voting in favor of Israel and may affect contest outcomes.
Many critics voiced their objections to the announcement—which has yet to be officially confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union. Some claim it’s inappropriate for an Israeli company to sponsor the contest, especially considering the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Numerous fans question why specifically an Israeli brand sponsors Eurovision, with some wishing to see Israel excluded from the event.
Eurovision’s Neutrality and Future Participation
Despite the backlash, there is reason for optimism regarding Israel’s participation. The fact that the European Broadcasting Union renewed its contract with Moroccan Oil in spite of criticism from certain countries suggests a neutral stance—there is no legal basis for these countries’ claims against the sponsor, and the EBU has continued the partnership. Similarly, no legal case exists against the Israeli national broadcaster, and it’s possible the EBU will maintain the same neutral approach, reinforcing both its image and Eurovision’s status as a non-political contest.
Eurovision 2026: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Austria, following the country’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. This will be the third time the contest is hosted in Austria, after 1967 and 2015.
