The Venice Biennale, a prominent cultural event, has been at the center of controversy since announcing the return of Russia’s pavilion. The European Union has now withdrawn its funding of €2 million ($2.3 million) in response.

Background

The Italian government had previously criticized the decision to allow Russia’s pavilion to reopen, and the European Commission had warned that it would suspend or terminate funding if the pavilion returned. The Biennale’s organizers have stated that they will challenge the EU’s decision to withdraw funding.

The European Commission confirmed that it had decided to revoke the funding, citing that cultural events financed with European taxpayers’ money should promote democratic values and respect for human rights, which are not currently respected in Russia.

The Biennale has argued that the grant co-financed projects run by its cinema department, which have no connection to Russia’s participation. The event’s president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has defended the decision to allow Russia’s pavilion to return, stating that the festival is a space for coexistence and dialogue.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.