New clash between the EU and the Venice Biennale as funds halted amid reopening of Russian pavilion

World ArtcultureeuIsraelrussiaTop Newswar New clash between the EU and the Venice Biennale as funds halted amid reopening of Russian pavilion File Photo: Annual Venice Carnival, In Venice Relevant News New clash between the EU and the Venice Biennale as funds halted amid reopening of Russian pavilion 24 July 2026 What I look for in a founder 24 July 2026 Consensus for sanctioning Israel growing in Europe 24 July 2026 Theodosis Pipis 24 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The European Commission last week confirmed the withdrawal of the 2-million-euro grant earmarked to the Venice Biennale for the 2025-2028 period. The move is seen as backlash to the president of the Biennale Foundation, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco’s announcment that the Russian pavilion would reopen for this year’s edition, after a two-year absence. Russia had been excluded from the Biennale as a direct consequence of the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent European sanctions against Moscow. The Commission initially gave the Biennale Foundation thirty days either to backtrack or to present a case capable of halting the revocation process. The European Union subsequently sought additional formal clarification regarding the nature and extent of Russia’s involvement in the Venice event. Despite these concerns, the Foundation decided to proceed with the opening, although the Russian pavilion’s activities were significantly limited in practice, as it was unable to obtain the necessary permits to host public events. Biennale “a space of coexistence for the whole planet,” Buttafuoco says Buttafuoco defended the decision not to block Russia’s return, describing the festival as “a space of coexistence for the whole planet” without censorship. The decision to withdraw funds came after the Commission’s recommendation stating that cultural events supported with EU funds must promote and uphold democratic values, dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression. The European Commissioner for Democracy Henna Virkkunen announced the decision on the funds allocated for the Biennale, saying in a post on X that culture in Europe, as it is funded by taxpayers’ money, “should promote and safeguard democratic values and that such values are not respected in Russia today”. The Commission officially recommends EACEA to terminate the €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale. This follows a thorough assessment of the replies from the Biennale to justify the re-opening of Russia’s pavillon.— Henna Virkkunen (@HennaVirkkunen) July 11, 2026 Italy’s response The Italian government hit back at the decision from Brussels. Undersecretary for Culture Lucia Borgonzoni expressed full support for the Biennale’s decision to challenge the European measure. “This is yet another shameful political and ideological attack on an institution that creates culture and refuses to bend to become a tool for those who like to throw their weight around in the European Union,” she said. Brussels reiterates that Union funds must be consistent with the EU’s founding values, while the Foundation insists on its cultural autonomy and contests the link between the European contribution earmarked for film activities and the participation of the Russian pavilion in the Art Biennale. EU has double standards, activists claim Activist groups like the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) highlighted a discrepancy in the EU’s decisions, noting that it is more decisive in pressuring Russia over its war in Ukraine, however it remains lackluster on Israel. “While Europe and institutional funders unambiguously isolated Russia, Israel faces no such funding cuts or restrictions,” ANGA said. Both Israeli and Russian leaders face charges against humanity by the International Criminal Court, yet funding has been removed for allowing Russian participation. This prompted hundreds of protesters to demonstrate at the Israeli exhibit. The clash is now set to shift onto the legal terrain, with the appeal announced by the Biennale which could open a new chapter in the dispute between the Venetian institution and the European Commission. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News What I look for in a founder Consensus for sanctioning Israel growing in Europe Cyprus races to complete emergency care reform by November deadline Things to do on Friday, July 24 Scorching 39C heat and gusty winds forecast across Cyprus today Four rescued after distress call at Limassol’s Molos beach (photos) Guterres should broaden UN lens on Cyprus Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.