As of: March 13, 2024, 5:20 p.m
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“German Center for Losses of Cultural Property” can be read on a sign.
© Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa/archive image
Almost 80 years after the end of National Socialism in Germany, the federal, state and municipal umbrella organizations have agreed to speed up the proceedings surrounding Nazi-looted property.
To this end, the current commission is to be replaced by an arbitration system by the end of the year.
The decisions should be legally binding and can be reviewed by another authority, according to the decision published on Wednesday.
Berlin - In contrast to today, this institution should also be able to be called upon unilaterally in the event of a dispute.
This regulation recently blocked a solution to the dispute over the 1905 painting “Madame Soler” by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).
The Bavarian State Painting Collections are resisting an appeal to the commission, which is sought by the heirs of the Jewish art collector Paul von Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
The independent advisory commission in connection with the return of cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution, especially from Jewish property, was set up in 2003 by the federal, state and municipal umbrella associations.
It is intended to mediate differences regarding the return of such cultural assets.
Around 600,000 works of art stolen during the Nazi era
Until now, a site can block due to inaction or lack of insight.
This is seen as one of the reasons why the Commission has only mediated around two dozen cases in just over 20 years.
Estimates suggest that up to 600,000 works of art were stolen during the Nazi era.
The chairman of the Conference of Culture Ministers, Hesse's Culture Minister Timon Gremmels (SPD), spoke of an “important step for an accelerated and transparent restitution procedure”.
This will better serve the interests of those affected.
For Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens), the decision is a “big and important step forward in significantly improving the return of Nazi-looted art.”
In addition, provenance research will be strengthened.
dpa