The European Commission has withdrawn a €2 million grant from the Venice Biennale due to Russia’s participation in the art exhibition. The decision follows criticism surrounding the reopening of the Russian pavilion, the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The funding was revoked by the European Commission’s Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA). Russia's presence at the Biennale, which began on May 9th, sparked significant controversy. This move signals the EU’s stance against Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine and its rejection of Russian cultural presence amid the conflict. The Biennale is a prominent event in the contemporary art world, making the funding withdrawal a notable statement.