Source: European Parliament
The Commission attributes great importance to the preservation of cultural heritage in the EU.
In accordance with Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission encourages and promotes cooperation among Member States with a view to conserving and safeguarding cultural heritage.
The returns mechanisms under the directive 2014/60/EU[1] are not applicable for cultural objects unlawfully removed before 1 January 1993, namely those removed during the 19th century, as in the situation described by the Honourable Member.
While this directive has no retroactive effect, Member States may apply on a voluntary basis its Article 15(2) arrangements to requests for the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed prior to 1 January 1993.
The Commission has no current plans to revise the directive 2014/60/EU or to adopt specific tools to support goodwill movements, while it remains committed to supporting cultural heritage initiatives.
- [1] Directive 2014/60/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (Recast), OJEU L159/1 of 28 May 2014.