The European Union will impose sanctions if the Venice Biennale does not reverse its decision to allow Russia to participate in its international contemporary art exhibition, European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen has warned.
If the Biennale maintains its decision, “we will consider additional measures, including the suspension or termination of a European subsidy” that the Biennale Foundation currently benefits from, Virkkunen said in a statement, “firmly condemning” this measure, AFP and Agerpres reported on Tuesday.
“Culture promotes and protects democratic values, encourages open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression and should never be used as a platform for propaganda,” the EU official stressed.
Ukraine asked the organizers of the Venice Biennale on Sunday not to allow the participation of Russia, which would return in May for the first time since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The biennale had banned the participation of anyone connected to the Russian government in 2022, as a sign of protest against Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Russia was also absent from the next edition in 2024.
It is now scheduled to participate in the 2026 edition, which will take place between May 9 and November 22, under the leadership of Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, who took over in March 2024.
