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EU Cuts Funding to Venice Biennale Over Russian Participation

4/22/2026

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Story summary

Kaja Kallas (EU foreign policy chief) announced plans to cut funding to the Venice Biennale over its 2026 readmission of Russian artists.
Latvia’s Culture Minister Agnese Lace plans to boycott the Biennale’s opening if Russia participates, arguing it would legitimize a sanctioned aggressor.
A group of 37 MEPs urged the EU to suspend funding, estimated at €2 million; the Biennale defends its space for dialogue amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Kaja Kallas (EU foreign policy chief) announced plans to cut funding to the Venice Biennale over its 2026 readmission of Russian artists.
Latvia’s Culture Minister Agnese Lace plans to boycott the Biennale’s opening if Russia participates, arguing it would legitimize a sanctioned aggressor.
A group of 37 MEPs urged the EU to suspend funding, estimated at €2 million; the Biennale defends its space for dialogue amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.