EU member states criticized the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale during a meeting in Brussels. Many supported freezing a €2 million grant to the Biennale Foundation due to Russia's participation. Latvian Minister Agnese Lāce emphasized preventing Russia's cultural instrumentalization. Fourteen ministers denounced Russia's presence, while some countries argued against using culture to whitewash Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The European Commission initiated funding cuts, and the Biennale's foundation defended its stance on artistic freedom. Protests occurred against Russia's participation, with notable actions from dissident groups.