The European Commission is reviewing a grant to the Venice Biennale Foundation and has formally notified the foundation of its intention to suspend or terminate the funding if grounds of grave professional misconduct or breach of contractual obligations are established, particularly regarding potential non-compliance with EU sanctions against Russia, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen said in a written answer on 16 July 2026. The answer, to a question by EPP MEP Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, confirms that the Commission does not provide direct funding to the Biennale, but a grant under the MEDIA strand of Creative Europe — aimed at enhancing virtual production and network opportunities for audiovisual professionals — is under scrutiny. The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) has suspended payments pending a review of the foundation's response to the allegations. The Commission's assessment follows the Biennale's decision to allow a Russian delegation to participate in the International Art Exhibition, which sparked diplomatic controversy and public protests, with 22 EU member states urging the foundation to reconsider. The answer does not set a timeline for a final decision but signals that the Commission is treating the matter as a potential breach of EU restrictive measures against Russia, with consequences for existing contracts.
The move impacts the Biennale Foundation, which risks losing EU funding, and EU audiovisual professionals who benefit from the Creative Europe programme. It also sends a signal to other cultural organisations receiving EU funds about compliance with sanctions policy.