Overview
- The European Commission said Thursday it will halt a €2 million, three‑year grant unless the Biennale justifies reopening Russia’s pavilion, giving the foundation 30 days to respond to a formal letter sent by its culture agency EACEA.
- Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed the executive is reviewing a recent reply from Italy’s government and noted no money from the grant has been disbursed yet.
- The Biennale said it lacks the authority to block any country recognized by Italy and cast the exhibition as a space for dialogue, adding that national pavilions are run by states and Russia owns its 1914 building in the Giardini.
- In a separate step Thursday, the international jury said it will not consider nations for prizes if their leaders face International Criminal Court accusations, which effectively leaves Russia and Israel out of awards like the Golden Lion.
- Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said Friday he will skip the pre‑opening days and the May 9 inauguration, as Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the EU decision and reporting indicates the Russian pavilion will open only May 6–8 for previews before closing to the public.