The European Commission has recommended that the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EASEA) revoke a €2 million grant from the Venice Biennale following Russia’s return to the exhibition with its national pavilion. EC Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen announced the recommendation on July 11.
“The Commission officially recommends that the EACEA terminate the €2 million grant for the Venice Biennale,” Virkkunen stated in a message on X. “This follows a thorough assessment of the Biennale’s responses justifying the reopening of the Russian pavilion.”
Virkkunen emphasized that European culture must promote and protect democratic values.
Earlier this year, a scandal emerged when the Venice Biennale management independently decided to allow Russia to participate in March. The EU Commission had previously condemned Italy’s decision, accusing it of disrespecting EU values and withdrawing the €2 million grant from the exhibition.
By late April, the international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale resigned, with reports indicating the Russian pavilion would be closed to the general public.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the EU’s withdrawal of the grant as a “relapse into Western anti-culture.” Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova praised young Russian cultural figures for demonstrating courage in presenting their work amid the controversy over Russia’s participation.
