EU threatens to withdraw Funds from Venice Biennale if Russia participates
The European Commission has warned it could suspend EU grant funding for the Venice Biennale if Russia is allowed to reopen its pavilion at this year's exhibition.
The European Commission has strongly condemned the decision by the Fondazione Biennale to allow Russia to participate in the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2026. In a joint statement, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Glenn Micallef stressed that culture should uphold democratic values, open dialogue, diversity, and freedom of expression, and must not be used as a platform for propaganda.
"We strongly condemn the decision by the Fondazione Biennale to allow Russia to re-open its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the 2026 Venice Biennale.
The European Commission has been clear in its stance concerning Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Culture promotes and safeguards democratic values, fosters open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression, and should never be used as a platform for propaganda.
Member States, institutions and organisations must act in line with EU sanctions and avoid giving a platform to individuals who have actively supported or justified the Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine.
This decision by the Fondazione Biennale is not compatible with the EU's collective response to Russia's brutal aggression. Should the Fondazione Biennale go forward with its decision to allow Russia's participation, we will examine further action, including the suspension or termination of an ongoing EU grant to the Biennale Foundation."