Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee. Fourth report on the application of Council Directive 93/7/EEC on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State

The illegal trafficking of cultural objects is a scourge affecting the European Union. The Commission is called on by the Council of the European Union to support the Member States in preventing and combating trafficking in cultural objects.

Council Directive 93/7/EEC, adopted on 15 March 1993, introduced mechanisms for administrative cooperation between national authorities and proceedings before the courts for the return of cultural objects taken unlawfully from the territory of a Member State.

Pursuant to Article 16 of Directive 93/7/EEC (hereinafter "the Directive"), the Member States sent a report to the Commission on the application of the Directive over the period 2008-2011. On this basis, the Commission has drawn up this document, which constitutes the fourth report reviewing the application of the Directive. This report is addressed to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee.

The process of revising Directive 93/7/EEC was started in 2009. The public consultation on this project was completed on 5 March 2012. The revision of Directive 93/7/EEC provides an opportunity for improving the possibilities for securing the return of cultural objects classified as national treasures that have been unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State since 1993.

In this context, the Commission is also looking at how to improve administrative cooperation and consultation between the authorities which carry out the tasks provided for in the Directive.

See also:
- Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State (Recast)

ESO: Background information: Easier repatriation of illegally removed national treasures http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-easier-repatriation-of-illegally-removed-national-treasures/

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