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EU Commission recommends cutting Venice Biennale funding over Russia's participation
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

EU Commission recommends cutting Venice Biennale funding over Russia's participation

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The European Commission recommends revoking 2 million euros in funding for the Venice Biennale due to Russia's participation.
  • Russia's presence at the art exhibition is the first since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
  • The EU Commission stated that culture funded by taxpayers should promote democratic values, which are not respected in present-day Russia.

The Venice Biennale faces potential funding cuts from the European Union over its decision to allow Russia to participate in this year's event. The EU Commission has officially recommended that the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA) withdraw 2 million euros in subsidies.

Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the EU Commission, stated on the platform X that "Culture in Europe – funded by taxpayers – should promote and protect democratic values. These values are not respected in today's Russia." This marks Russia's first appearance at the art exhibition since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Commission officially recommends to EACEA to terminate the funding of two million euros to the Venice Biennale.

— Henna VirkkunenThe Vice President of the EU Commission announced the recommendation to withdraw funding.

In previous years, Russia did not utilize its pavilion. In 2022, artists withdrew in protest of the invasion. In 2024, Moscow lent the space to Bolivia. The EU Commission currently provides the Biennale Foundation with 2 million euros over three years to support film producers and immersive technology.

Culture in Europe - funded by taxpayers - should promote and protect democratic values. These values are not respected in today's Russia.

— Henna VirkkunenThe Vice President of the EU Commission explained the reasoning behind the funding withdrawal recommendation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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