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European Commission Withdraws €2 Million Grant After Venice Biennale Allows Russian Pavilion Reopening
The European Commission revoked a €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale for 2025-2028 after the foundation confirmed plans to reopen the Russian pavilion. Commissioner Henna Virkkunen cited the need to uphold democratic values in taxpayer-funded culture. Euronews reported the move followed an April 2026 procedure.
Jul 12, 3:08 AM·1m read1 source
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The European Commission withdrew a €2 million grant allocated to the Venice Biennale for the 2025-2028 period. Euronews reported the decision followed the Biennale Foundation's confirmation that the Russian pavilion would reopen for the 2026 edition.
European Commissioner for Democracy Henna Virkkunen announced the revocation on X. She stated that culture funded by taxpayers' money should promote and safeguard democratic values and that such values are not respected in Russia today. The Commission launched the revocation procedure in April 2026 after assessing the Biennale's answers on the pavilion reopening.
It issued a recommendation to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency to cut the funds and gave the foundation 30 days to reverse its decision or present arguments against revocation.
The Russian pavilion had remained closed during the 2022 and 2024 editions due to the invasion of Ukraine and EU sanctions against Moscow. The EU requested further formal clarifications on Russia's participation, yet the foundation proceeded with a limited opening despite lacking permits for public events. The handling prompted criticism.
Russian gallerist Marat Gelman accused Italy of proving the weak link in the response to Russian aggression. Italy's League party announced it would ask the government to replace the withdrawn funding.
