EU condemns Russia’s return to Venice Biennale, warns of sanctions

The European Commission (EC) has strongly condemned the decision to allow Russia to participate in the Venice Biennale for the first time since 2022, raising the possibility of punitive measures against the Biennale Foundation.

In a statement, EC Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Youth, Culture, and Sport Glenn Micallef said:

“We strongly condemn the decision by the Fondazione Biennale to allow Russia to re-open its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the 2026 Venice Biennale. The European Commission has been clear in its stance concerning Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Culture promotes and safeguards democratic values, fosters open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression, and should never be used as a platform for propaganda.

Member States, institutions and organisations must act in line with EU sanctions and avoid giving a platform to individuals who have actively supported or justified the Kremlin’s aggression against Ukraine.

This decision by the Fondazione Biennale is not compatible with the EU’s collective response to Russia’s brutal aggression. Should the Fondazione Biennale go forward with its decision to allow Russia’s participation, we will examine further action, including the suspension or termination of an ongoing EU grant to the Biennale Foundation.”

The Venice Biennale is an internationally renowned art exhibition held twice a year, featuring an international jury. The Russian pavilion, located in the Biennale Gardens, was first established in 1914 and underwent a major restoration in 2021. Russia had not participated in the exhibition since 2022, following its military operation in Ukraine.

The 2026 Biennale is scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22. Italy’s Ministry of Culture said the decision to resume Russia’s participation was made independently by the Biennale’s leadership. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco stated in March that he asked staff to invite people from different conflict zones in order to hear “a different point of view” rather than political statements. Russia is expected to present a project titled “A Tree Rooted in the Sky.”

By Vafa Guliyeva