EU Commission Sends Third Letter to Venice Biennale Over Russia's Participation

The European Commission has sent a third letter to the Venice Biennale Foundation, whose current edition runs until 22 November, requesting further clarifications regarding Russia's controversial participation in the event.

The European executive sent a second letter seeking answers a few days after the opening of the 61st International Art Exhibition, launched on 9 May, according to Henna Virkkunen, the European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, who announced in a Q&A session in Brussels with reporters.

The news was followed by a response from the Russian Ambassador to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, who noted that "it is deeply regrettable that the Italian leadership, as well as the management of the Biennale, have become the target of unacceptable and brutal diktats and pressure from the EU."

According to EU sources, the latest letter again raises issues already addressed in the previous two, pressuring the Biennale Foundation for more detailed answers on the outstanding points not addressed in their prior responses.

Contents of the second letter

In the second letter, Virkkunen reiterated that the bloc "strongly condemns" the Biennale's decision to readmit Russian artists, amid their country's continued invasion of Ukraine, well into its fifth year.

She also warned that the European Commission would not hesitate to "suspend or withdraw" the €2 million EU funding allocated to the event for the period 2025–2028, stressing that European taxpayer money will not be used to reward aggressors.

Brussels pointed to a possible breach of Article 5n of the EU's Council Regulations, concerning "the provision of certain services" to the Russian government.

The letter also added that the event organisers are in violation of Article 5t, which states that "it is prohibited to accept donations, economic benefits or support, including funding and financial assistance, directly or indirectly" from the Kremlin.

The Biennale's response

The Biennale said it would submit its counter-arguments within the prescribed timeframe, but underlined that it had complied with all national and international rules and regulations.

The foundation also maintained that it had provided all the necessary explanations and details to inspectors from the Ministry of Culture.

Spokespersons for the Biennale added that they had no authority to impose further sanctions on Russia.

The responsible of the Russian Pavilion, Anastasia Karneeva, thanked the Biennale for supporting the participation of all countries, adding that art should remain independent.

Brussels says that several issues raised in previous communications remain unresolved and has given the Foundation 30 days to reply.