EU threatens to cut Venice Biennale funding if Russia allowed to participate

The European Union will withhold funding from the Venice Art Biennale if Russia is permitted to take part, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed, as more than 20 EU member states have signed a protest against Moscow's return.

The entrance to the Central Pavilion, in the Biennale Gardens. The Biennale Arte 2026, titled 'In Minor Keys,' will run from 9 May to 22 November 2026.

EPA/ANDREA MEROLA

"While Russia bombs museums, destroys churches and tries to erase Ukrainian culture, it should not be allowed to showcase its own. Russia's return to the Venice Biennale is morally reprehensible, and the European Union intends to suspend its funding", Kallas said.

Brussels contributes approximately EUR 2 million to the event.

Russia's pavilion has been closed since February 2022, when Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. The decision to readmit Russian artists to this year's edition has drawn sharp criticism across Europe. Latvia, which initiated the protest, has also announced a boycott of the event.

The Venice Art Biennale, one of the world's most prominent cultural events, opens on May 9.

(jh)

Source: Polish Radio