Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, on behalf of the European Commission, defended the decision to suspend EU funding for the Venice Biennale after the foundation allowed Russia to reopen its national pavilion, arguing that the move is incompatible with EU sanctions and values. The decision impacts the Biennale's Creative Europe MEDIA contract, worth around EUR 2 million, and signals the Commission's willingness to enforce cultural sanctions against Russia.
The answer, dated 23 June 2026, responds to a parliamentary question submitted on 17 April 2026 by MEPs Anna Maria Cisint, Silvia Sardone, and Isabella Tovaglieri (all PfE). The MEPs had questioned the Commission's intervention in the artistic choices of an independent institution and pointed to an alleged inconsistency, noting that countries such as Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and Cuba have not faced similar restrictions in EU cultural initiatives.
the Biennale's decision is not compatible with the EU's collective response to Russia's war of aggression, specifically Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 on sanctions. The Commission does not fund the Biennale of Arts directly, but the Biennale benefits from a Creative Europe MEDIA contract that requires respect for EU values and professional standards. As a result, the Commission has informed the Biennale of its intention to suspend or terminate the contract.
The answer also notes that the Commission is in direct contact with Italian authorities to ensure compliance with the sanctions regime. This signals a policy orientation that prioritises enforcement of EU sanctions in cultural contexts, even at the risk of politicising artistic events. The Commission does not address the MEPs' question about selective application to other countries, leaving that inconsistency unresolved.
Expected institutional follow-up includes potential contract termination and further monitoring of sanctions compliance by member states. The answer is declarative rather than proposing new legislation, but it reinforces the Commission's stance that cultural funding can be conditional on alignment with EU foreign policy.
The Venice Biennale faces a moderate negative impact from potential loss of EU funding, affecting its operations and artistic programming. EU cultural institutions may face increased scrutiny over compliance with sanctions. Russian cultural actors are indirectly affected by reduced opportunities for participation in EU-funded events. Italian authorities are engaged in compliance discussions, with potential reputational risks.