The EU plans to cut funding for the Venice Biennale due to Russia's participation
The European Union plans to reduce its financial support for the Venice Biennale following the organizers’ decision to allow Russian artists to open their own pavilion in 2026.
The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, called the return of the aggressor country to the exhibition a “morally wrong” move, Politico reports. She emphasized that a state that is deliberately destroying Ukrainian culture and museums has no place on international art platforms.
Earlier, 37 MEPs sent an official letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for a complete halt to funding for the event. According to preliminary data, EU support amounts to approximately 2 million euros over a three-year period. In 2024, the Russian pavilion was not in operation and was transferred to Bolivia for use; however, this year’s decision by the organizers to reinstate Russia has drawn sharp criticism in Brussels.
Kallas noted that the presence of the Russian exhibition against the backdrop of ongoing bombings and destruction in Ukraine is unacceptable to European values. The EU’s position is to strengthen Moscow’s cultural isolation until the military aggression ceases. Currently, the European Commission is considering legal and financial mechanisms to review the budget allocations allocated to support the exhibition.
Latvian Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce stated that she would boycott the exhibition’s opening on May 9 if Russia participates. Lāce articulated the joint position of 25 European countries opposed to Russia’s participation in the Biennale.
The organizers of the Venice Biennale confirmed that they have granted Russia permission to participate in the event. They emphasized that this decision does not contradict current sanctions restrictions and does not violate established rules.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Russia’s admission to the Venice Biennale.
The Venice Biennale 2026 has announced the theme of its main exhibition—“In Minor Keys”—and published a list of invited participants. The exhibition will run from May 9 to November 22 at the Giardini, Arsenale, and other venues throughout the city, with the official opening scheduled for May 9.
