The European Commission has called on cultural institutions in the EU to cooperate with artists who defend democratic values, reports News.bg.
The reason for the position is the upcoming participation of Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in the Un’Estate da Re festival in Italy between July 19 and 31. EC spokeswoman Eva Grinchirzhova stressed that EU Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef has repeatedly stated that European stages should not be made available to individuals who support Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Grinchirzhova specified that Gergiev's participation in the festival is not financed with EU funds, as was assumed, but with national funding from the Italian Development and Cohesion Fund.
“We call on cultural organizations to work with artists who uphold democratic values,“ she said, quoted by BNR.
Valery Gergiev, known for his ties to the Kremlin and his personal closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has long been the subject of criticism from the international cultural community after refusing to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After the war began in 2022 a number of European orchestras and institutions have suspended their cooperation with it.
The Un’Estate da Re festival is held annually in the Italian region of Campania and includes concerts and cultural events with international participation. The organizers of this year's edition have not yet officially reacted to the European Commission's position.