Venice, Italy. The European Commission has confirmed the withdrawal of a €2 million grant allocated to the Venice Biennale for 2025-2028, following the Biennale Foundation’s decision to reopen the Russian pavilion.
The Commission said EU-funded cultural events must promote democratic values, dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression.
Grant withdrawal
The Commission initially gave the Biennale Foundation 30 days to reverse its decision or present a case to halt the revocation process. It later requested further formal clarification on the nature and extent of Russia’s involvement in the event.
The Commission officially recommended that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency terminate the €2 million grant after assessing the Foundation’s responses regarding the reopening of the Russian pavilion.
Russian pavilion
Russia had been excluded from the Biennale following its invasion of Ukraine and subsequent European sanctions against Moscow.
Despite the Commission’s concerns, the Foundation proceeded with the pavilion’s opening. Its activities were limited, however, as it was unable to obtain the permits required to hold public events.
Foundation response
Biennale Foundation president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the decision not to prevent Russia’s return, describing the festival as “a space of coexistence for the whole planet” without censorship.
European Commissioner for Democracy Henna Virkkunen said on X that culture funded by European taxpayers should promote and safeguard democratic values, adding that such values are not respected in Russia today.