The European Commission will terminate its €2 million contract with the Venice Biennale due to Russia
The European Commission intends to suspend €2 million in funding for the Venice Biennale following the organizers’ decision to allow representatives from the Russian Federation to participate and to open a Russian pavilion.
This was announced by European Commission spokesperson Thomas Rignée at a briefing in Brussels, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
Brussels’ position is crystal clear and consists of a firm condemnation of the aggressor country’s return to the art exhibition.
The European Education and Culture Executive Agency has already sent an official letter to the Venice Biennale Foundation notifying it of its intention to cancel the grant, which was intended for the next three years. At this stage, no payments have yet been made under this contract, so this amounts to a complete cessation of financial cooperation. The exhibition organizers have 30 days to respond and justify the reasons for reopening the Russian pavilion.
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 that oppose 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.
