Key facts
- The European Commission has proposed cutting a €2 million EU grant for the Venice Biennale.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the EU's actions are an attempt to 'cancel' Russian culture.
- The Biennale organizers allowed Russia to open its pavilion for three days.
- Some Italian politicians, including members of The League and the 5Star Movement, have criticized the EU's decision.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had previously advocated for slashing the Biennale's funding.
The Kremlin has accused the European Commission of attempting to 'cancel' Russian culture following the EU's announcement of plans to cut a €2 million grant for the Venice Biennale. Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen requested the European Education and Culture Executive Agency terminate the funding, stating that European culture should promote democratic values, which are not respected in Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed regret over the ongoing attempts to cancel Russian culture in other countries. The Venice Biennale, which runs from May to November, had controversially allowed Russia to open its pavilion for three days, sparking political debate across Europe.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government opposed Russia's participation, but some coalition members have voiced criticism of the EU's stance. The League called the Commissioner's intervention "unacceptable," arguing that culture cannot be censored and artists are not soldiers. The opposition's 5Star Movement has also shown solidarity with Moscow, according to Italian media, potentially creating a challenge for Meloni ahead of the 2027 elections.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had previously called for the EU to slash funding for the Biennale in April, a position the European Commission reiterated on Saturday. The commission's recommendation to the EACEA is not yet final.