EU cuts €2 million Venice Biennale grant over Russia's participation

The European Commission has withdrawn a €2 million grant from the Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia, citing the return of Russia's national pavilion to the 2026 Venice Biennale as a violation of EU democratic values Source: El País. The decision, confirmed on July 21–22, 2026, follows months of warnings and a legal review by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) Source: Infobae.

The dispute

Russia had not participated in the Biennale since 2022, after its invasion of Ukraine. In March 2026, the Biennale announced Russia's return, prompting protests from Ukraine and 22 European culture ministers Source: Lavanguardia. The Biennale defended its decision as a matter of openness and non-censorship, stating that any country recognized by Italy can participate Source: Euronews.

Reactions

Italian officials are divided. Undersecretary of State for Culture Lucia Borgonzoni called the EU's action "the umpteenth shameful political and ideological attack" Source: Euronews. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli had earlier criticized the Biennale's decision and refused to attend the inauguration Source: Lavanguardia. The Biennale has announced it will appeal the funding cut, noting that the grant was earmarked for film-sector activities, not the art exhibition Source: Euronews.

Key points