During the Spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the ALDE group raised concerns over Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia’s announcement to allow Russia to reopen its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition scheduled for 2026.
ALDE called on PACE colleagues to join the voices of numerous artists, political leaders, governments, and international organisations in urging the Fondazione to reverse its decision. Our written declaration has received broad support from Assembly members.
Shortly thereafter, Morten Jensen (Denmark, SOC), Chair of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, addressed a letter to the President, Board Members, and Director General of the Fondazione, condemning what he described as an “appalling decision.”
In a further step, Iulian Bulai, leader of ALDE-PACE, tabled a motion for a resolution inviting the Parliamentary Assembly to develop a set of principles and best practices to guide cultural institutions and states regarding the participation of delegations Russian delgations in international cultural events.
“We believe that contemporary art could successfully serve the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and never provide legitimacy to a state that is conducting an illegal war of aggression », underlines the motion for a resolution.
See also: PACE rapporteur joins calls for Venice Biennale not to allow Russian participation
