EU Commission Recommends Suspending Funds for Venice Biennale Over Russian Pavilion Decision

The European Commission has officially recommended suspending a 2 million euro grant allocated to the Venice Biennale. This decision stems from the Biennale's explanation regarding its choice to open a Russian pavilion, a move that has drawn significant international criticism.

Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's Vice-President for Technology Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, announced the recommendation on the platform X. The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) is the body that would implement the suspension of the funding.

This recommendation comes after the Commission had previously warned the Venice Biennale's president in April that it might freeze the 2 million euro grant in response to the decision to include a Russian pavilion. Ukraine had strongly advocated for the Biennale's leadership to maintain a principled stance and continue barring Russia's participation, a policy the Biennale had upheld from 2022 to 2024.

The inclusion of the Russian pavilion has been condemned by more than 20 countries, highlighting a broad international opposition to Russia's participation in cultural events amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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The Commission officially recommends to EACEA (European Education and Culture Executive Agency) to suspend the allocation of a 2 million euro grant to the Venice Biennale.