EU agency halts funding for Venice Biennale over Russia's return
The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) has decided to terminate the current €2 million grant to Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia after the Russian pavilion resumed operations in a limited format at the Venice Biennale this spring.
Source: European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The decision was taken following a legal assessment and on the recommendation of the European Commission.
"Cultural events, funded by European taxpayers' money, should safeguard democratic values, foster open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression – values which are not respected in today's Russia," Regnier said.
Background:
- In July, the European Commission recommended that EACEA terminate the €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale in connection with the decision to allow the Russian pavilion to reopen for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- The grant cancellation procedure was initiated by the European Commission after a statement by Biennale Foundation President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, who confirmed that the Russian pavilion would be reopened at this year's exhibition.
- At the initial stage, the Commission gave the Biennale Foundation thirty days either to abandon its plans or to provide arguments capable of halting the grant cancellation process.
- The European Union subsequently requested additional official clarifications regarding the true nature of Russia's participation in the event.
- Over 20 European countries have called for Russia to be barred from participating in the Venice Biennale.
- Ukraine urged the organisers of the Venice Biennale to reconsider their decision regarding Russia's participation and maintain the principled stance they demonstrated between 2022 and 2024.
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