Key facts
- The European Commission has requested further clarifications from the Venice Biennale Foundation concerning Russia's participation.
- The Commission stated that issues raised in previous communications remain unresolved.
- The Venice Biennale Foundation has been given 30 days to respond to the latest letter.
- The EU previously warned that its €2 million funding for the event could be suspended or withdrawn.
- The Foundation maintains it has complied with all national and international rules and regulations.
The European Commission has escalated its scrutiny of Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale, sending a third letter demanding further clarifications on unresolved issues. The Commission, through Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, has expressed strong condemnation of the decision to readmit Russian artists amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Brussels has warned that EU funding, amounting to €2 million for the 2025-2028 period, could be suspended or withdrawn if satisfactory answers are not provided within 30 days, citing potential breaches of EU regulations concerning services and funding from the Kremlin.
The Venice Biennale Foundation, however, maintains that it has adhered to all national and international rules and has provided necessary explanations to cultural ministry inspectors. The Foundation stated it would submit its counter-arguments within the deadline and noted it lacks the authority to impose further sanctions on Russia. The Russian Ambassador to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, criticized the EU's actions as "unacceptable and brutal diktats and pressure."
Anastasia Karneeva, responsible for the Russian Pavilion, thanked the Biennale for supporting all countries' participation, emphasizing that art should remain independent. The current edition of the Venice Art Biennale runs until November 22.