Story perspectives

EU threatens €2 M cut as Biennale bans Russia, Israel.

4/24/2026

Summary

Biennale Jury Excludes

On 23 April 2026 the jury of the 61st Venice Biennale announced it will exclude Russia and Israel from the Golden and Silver Lion awards.
The jury said it will not evaluate countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin (2023) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2024).
The European Commission warned it will suspend a €2 million grant to the Biennale, giving organizers 30 days to respond.

Summary

European Commission Deadlines

The European Commission gave the Biennale 30 days from April 10 to answer a letter about possibly suspending its €2 million grant.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the potential funding cut “anti-culture” and warned the West will become “forever uncivilized.”
The Biennale scheduled a pre-opening program under the banner of dissent and peace, featuring Russian dissident filmmaker Alexander Sokurov and Palestinian writer-architect Suad Amiry.

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Biennale Jury Excludes

On 23 April 2026 the jury of the 61st Venice Biennale announced it will exclude Russia and Israel from the Golden and Silver Lion awards.
The jury said it will not evaluate countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin (2023) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2024).
The European Commission warned it will suspend a €2 million grant to the Biennale, giving organizers 30 days to respond.

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