The European Union has suspended its financial support for the Venice Biennale after Russia returned to the international art exhibition for the first time since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the decision followed a legal assessment and a recommendation from the European Commission, leading the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) to halt the Biennale Foundation's current €2 million grant.
Regnier stressed that "cultural projects financed with European taxpayers' money must defend democratic values, promote open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression," adding that these are "values that are not respected in contemporary Russia." The suspended funding had been intended to support film production and virtual reality projects linked to the Biennale.
Russia's return to the 61st Venice Biennale after a four-year absence sparked widespread controversy. Its national pavilion, titled "The Tree Rooted in the Sky," featured works by nearly 40 artists but remained open for only three days amid mounting political pressure and public criticism. Opponents argued that Moscow could use its participation to improve its international image while the war in Ukraine continues.
