The European Commission has threatened to suspend a €2 million (£1.7 million) grant to the Venice Biennale if organisers proceed with plans to include Russia in the 2026 art exhibition. The commission stated that allowing Russia to participate would breach ethical standards and violate the terms of the funding agreement.
Commission spokesperson Thomas Régnier said the decision to include Russia was not in line with European values, noting that culture should promote democratic values and freedom of expression, which are currently not honoured in Russia. He warned that if a breach of contract is confirmed, the commission would terminate or suspend the grant, which supports film projects at the contemporary arts show.
The Biennale’s decision, announced last week, has sparked outrage from Ukraine and 22 foreign and culture ministers, who accused the organisers of providing a platform for whitewashing war crimes. The ministers highlighted Russia's systematic destruction of Ukraine's cultural heritage, including the killing of at least 342 artists and damage to over 1,600 cultural sites.
Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the decision, stating that art should foster dialogue and that he had invited people from all areas of conflict to share their points of view. However, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, opposes the move, despite Meloni’s previous sympathies towards Russia.
EU commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Glenn Micallef issued a joint statement condemning the Biennale’s decision and warned of further action, including suspension or termination of the EU grant, if Russia is allowed to participate.
