EU Withdraws €2M Grant for Venice Biennale Amid Controversy Over Russian Pavilion Reopening

Published on 12/07/2026 – 9:08 GMT+2

The European Commission has finalized its decision to withdraw a €2 million grant previously allocated to the Venice Biennale for the 2025-2028 period. European Commissioner for Democracy Henna Virkkunen announced the move, stating that cultural initiatives funded by taxpayers should uphold democratic values, which are currently not respected in Russia. The decision follows an evaluation of the Biennale’s responses regarding the highly contentious reopening of the Russian pavilion, part of an ongoing recommendation process to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which had already supported the funding cut.

The funding revocation process began in April after Biennale Foundation President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco confirmed the Russian pavilion would reopen for the 2025 edition. The space had been closed during the 2022 and 2024 editions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent EU sanctions. The Commission initially granted the Foundation 30 days to reconsider or justify its position, but further clarifications were sought regarding Russia’s participation in the event. Despite these requests, the Biennale proceeded with the reopening, though the pavilion operated in a limited capacity due to unresolved permit issues for public events.

International Criticism of EU Decision

The Commission’s action has sparked significant criticism, with Russian gallerist Marat Gelman publicly accusing Italy of being a weak link in countering Russian aggression. Italy’s ruling party, the League, dismissed the decision as a bureaucratic overreach, asserting, “The Biennale embodies history, culture, art, innovation, and freedom. If Brussels fails to grasp this, we will move forward regardless. Culture does not submit to Brussels’ dictates.” The party plans to urge Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to replace the withdrawn funding.

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