EU threatens funding cuts over Russia's planned return to Venice Biennale

The European Union has threatened to cut funding to the Venice Biennale over Russia's planned return to the prestigious contemporary art exhibition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the potential financial consequences following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, stating that Russia's participation would be "morally wrong" while the country continues to bomb Ukrainian museums, destroy churches, and attempt to erase Ukrainian culture. Russia had previously announced, in coordination with the Biennale Foundation, its intention to participate in this year's exhibition beginning May 9, marking its first appearance since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Russian pavilion would feature works by domestic artists. Ukraine and numerous politicians from EU member states have protested against Russia's planned participation. During the previous two Biennales, Russia did not utilize its pavilion: in 2022, the scheduled artists withdrew in protest against the invasion, and in 2024, Moscow loaned the building to Bolivia. The European Commission currently provides the Biennale Foundation with €2 million over three years to support film producers and immersive technology.