The head of the Venice Biennale has publicly attacked the European Union's decision to pull €2 million in funding, arguing it represents political pressure that undermines artistic independence. The funding cut came after the institution decided to allow Russian artists to participate in its biennial exhibition for the first time since before the 2022 Ukraine invasion, a choice the Biennale justified based on its regulations permitting participation from countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Italy.

European officials counter that cultural organisations receiving taxpayer support must safeguard democratic values, which they argue Russia currently does not uphold. A complication in the dispute: the withdrawn funding was designated for the Biennale's cinema sector programmes rather than the visual arts exhibition itself, meaning the financial penalty extends beyond the specific area of disagreement. The Italian government, which provides oversight of the Biennale foundation, has chosen not to intervene despite the controversy.