The European Commission has strongly criticised the decision by the Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia to allow Russia to reopen its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2026, warning that EU funding for the institution could be suspended or even terminated.
EU warns culture must not become propaganda platform
In a statement, the Commission stressed that culture plays a vital role in promoting democratic values and protecting freedom of expression. “Culture promotes and safeguards democratic values, strengthens open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression and should never be used as a platform for propaganda,” the statement said.
Brussels also underlined that EU member states, institutions and organisations must act in line with the bloc’s sanctions regime and avoid offering platforms to individuals who have actively supported or justified the Kremlin’s attack on Ukraine.
Possible suspension of EU funding
According to the Commission, the decision by the Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia “does not align with the collective response of the European Union to Russia’s brutal aggression”.
The statement added that if the Biennale proceeds with allowing Russia’s participation, the European Commission will consider further measures, including the suspension or termination of the current EU grant allocated to the Biennale Foundation.