European Commission confirms withdrawal of €2m grant to Venice Biennale over return of Russian pavilion

The European Commission has formally confirmed the withdrawal of a €2 million grant intended for the Venice Biennale, a prominent international art exhibition, covering the 2025-2028 period. This decision follows the Biennale Foundation's confirmation that the Russian pavilion would reopen for the current exhibition, a move that has drawn significant international criticism.

The grant withdrawal procedure was initiated in April of the previous year. At that stage, the Commission granted the Biennale Foundation 30 days to either abandon its plans for the Russian pavilion's reopening or present compelling arguments to halt the funding withdrawal. The European Union subsequently sought further official clarifications regarding the nature of Russia's participation in the event.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, announced the final decision, recommending that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency terminate the grant. Virkkunen stated that the Commission's thorough assessment of the Biennale's responses did not justify the pavilion's reopening. She emphasized that "Culture in Europe – funded with taxpayers' money – should promote and safeguard democratic values. These values are not respected in today's Russia."

This decision aligns with calls from over 20 European countries to bar Russia from the Venice Biennale. Ukraine had previously urged organizers to reconsider their decision, urging them to maintain the principled stance adopted between 2022 and 2024, when Russia was excluded.

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This follows a thorough assessment of the replies from the Biennale to justify the re-opening of Russia's pavilion. Culture in Europe – funded with taxpayers' money – should promote and safeguard democratic values. These values are not respected in today's Russia.