The European Fee has despatched a 3rd letter to the Venice Biennale Basis, which now runs till November 22, asking for additional clarification on Russia’s participation within the controversial occasion.
The European govt despatched a second letter demanding solutions a number of days after the opening of the 61st Worldwide Artwork Exhibition, which opened on Might 9, stated European Commissioner for Expertise Sovereignty, Safety and Democracy Henna Virkunen, who made the announcement throughout a question-and-answer session with reporters in Brussels.
The information was adopted by a response from Russia’s ambassador to Italy, Alexei Paramonov, who stated: “This can be very regrettable that the Italian management and the administration of the Biennale have develop into the goal of an unacceptable and brutal dictatorship and strain from the European Union.”
In accordance with EU officers, the most recent letter once more raises points already raised within the earlier two letters and places strain on the Biennale Basis to supply extra detailed solutions on excellent factors not addressed in earlier responses.
Contents of the second letter
In a second letter, Virkkunen reiterated that the federation “strongly condemns” the Biennale’s determination to readmit Russian artists because the nation’s invasion of Ukraine continues into its fifth yr.
He additionally warned that the European Fee wouldn’t hesitate to “droop or withdraw” the two million euros of EU funds allotted to the occasion for the interval 2025-2028, stressing that European taxpayers’ cash wouldn’t be used to reward aggressors.
Brussels flagged a attainable violation of Article 5 of the EU Council Regulation on the “provision of sure providers” to the Russian authorities.
The letter additionally added that it violates Article 5, which states that occasion organizers are “prohibited from straight or not directly receiving donations, monetary advantages, help, together with funding or monetary help” from the Kremlin.
Biennale response
The Biennale stated it might submit its rebuttal throughout the stipulated deadline, however careworn that it complied with all nationwide and worldwide guidelines and rules.
The muse additionally claimed that it had offered all needed explanations and particulars to the Ministry of Tradition inspectors.
A Biennale spokesperson added that it doesn’t have the authority to impose additional sanctions on Russia.
Anastasia Karneva, director of the Russia Pavilion, thanked the Biennale for supporting the participation of all nations, including that artwork ought to stay impartial.
The Metropolis of Brussels stated a number of points raised in earlier communications remained unresolved and gave the muse 30 days to reply.
