The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) has decided to fully terminate the current grant of approximately €2 million to Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia. The reason is the resumption of the Russian Federation’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale in a limited format this spring.
According to information published in European and Russian media, the EACEA’s decision follows a recommendation from the European Commission. Back in April 2026, Brussels warned the Biennale organizers that Russia’s participation in the exhibition would result in the loss of funding. Despite the warnings, Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia allowed the Russian pavilion to resume operations.
“The European Commission officially recommends that EACEA terminate the grant allocation,” the messages circulated in mid-July stated. The decision became final after confirmation of the Russian pavilion’s participation.
The Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious international events in the world of contemporary art. EU grants have traditionally supported cultural and educational initiatives within the exhibition. European Commission representatives emphasized that the decision to stop funding is linked to the EU’s principles of solidarity and its stance regarding Russia’s actions on the international stage.