New arbitration court should return Nazi looted property more quickly!

New arbitration court should return Nazi looted property more quickly!

The establishment of arbitration for the return of Nazi-looted property is a crucial step in coming to terms with National Socialist crimes and the associated expropriations. Loud University of Erfurt This arbitration was created in accordance with the provisions of the coalition agreement. The aim is to develop an effective restitution law for open Nazi looted property cases.

The Presidium of the Arbitration Court is headed by Dr. Elisabeth Steiner and Peter Müller led. The referees also include experts such as Prof. Dr. Christiane Kuller, Dr. Julia Bešlin and Prof. Dr. Magnus Brechtken. These new committees are intended to replace the existing “Advisory Commission”, which has voted on return applications since 2003.

Reform of the Advisory Commission

The administrative agreement on arbitration was signed as part of the 22nd summit meeting on cultural policy, reported Constitution blog. The reform is intended to ensure that those eligible to apply are not placed in a worse position. The new regulations are based on the “Washington Principles” of 1998, which create an international basis for the return of Nazi-looted property.

A central point of the reform is the evaluation framework, which replaces the previous “handbook”. This framework makes it easier for those entitled to apply to provide evidence, so that a high degree of probability is sufficient to convince a judge, rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt”. It also contains regulations that provide for a reversal of the burden of proof in favor of those entitled to apply, particularly for cultural assets that were lost between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945.

Criticism and outlook

For “escape property,” those eligible to apply must prove that the sale was directly attributable to the persecution. Critics fear that conditions for applicants will worsen. However, it is argued that the previous procedures were inconsistent and the new system is seen as fairer. The measures provide a good basis for the return of Jewish-owned cultural assets that were systematically looted during the National Socialist tyranny.

Loud Minister of State for Culture Coming to terms with the Nazi tyranny and the return of Nazi looted property is one of the most important issues of our time. Many citizens, especially Jews, were subjected to considerable injustice during this time.

With the creation of arbitration, which will come into force on December 1, 2025, an important step will be taken to improve restitution practice and historic justice can be further advanced.