European Commission Halts Funding for Venice Biennale Over Russian Pavilion
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the European Commission is stopping funding for the Venice Biennale to prevent reputation laundering of Russia while it continues its war in Ukraine.
The European Commission (EC) has decided to cut funding for the Venice Biennale after Russia opened its pavilion at the 2026 exhibition. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas made the announcement.
Kallas stated that culture and sports should not become tools for reputation laundering, referring to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to lift restrictions on Russian athletes. She emphasized that the EC is ending financial support for the Biennale to avoid whitewashing Russia's image.
This likely involves revoking a €2 million grant, as previously announced by EC Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, who recommended that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) cancel the funding.
Russia participated in the 2026 Venice Biennale for the first time since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, drawing sharp criticism from Brussels and Kyiv. The Russian pavilion's operation was met with protests.
In April, Kallas already stated that the EU would reduce support for the Biennale due to Russia's return. In May, the EC warned the Italian government and exhibition organizers that Russia's involvement might violate EU sanctions.
Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco explained the decision not to exclude Russia as a commitment to freedom of speech.
