Irini A. Stamatoudi

Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) is the main vehicle for helping museums to face challenges, secure sustainable competitiveness, and redefine themselves in a constantly changing world. In this context, CHM can support museums in their efforts to play a vital role in fighting the illicit trafficking of cultural property. This article focuses on how museums can benefit from the various advantages offered by CHM, specifically with respect to the fight against the illicit trade of cultural property and its return and restitution to its countries of origin. In this light, it deals with both proactive and repressive policies, discussing how museums can maintain their credibility and ensure that they operate in accordance with high legal and ethical standards. Finally, the article discusses how museums and countries have dealt with return and restitution claims in recent years. In this context the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing, is also discussed. This work derives from the research project “Redefining the future of cultural heritage, through a disruptive model of sustainability” (ReInHerit), which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Greece takes a strong stance towards the protection of cultural heritage and the return of cultural goods to their country of origin. Several cases in recent years have taken place with regard to cultural goods that have been returned from third countries to Greece, and which have left the country in either an illegal or an ambiguous manner. Returns were affected either on the basis of legal proceedings or an amicable resolution. Greece’s role in the EU and international fora has been important for the protection of cultural heritage. Greek law is one of the most comprehensive and protective laws in the area, especially by reason of the fact that the country has occasionally suffered from looting, is rich in cultural treasures and does not always offer adequate means to effectively protect all treasures found in its soil and waters. This article examines the notion of a “cultural object” under Greek law and what constitutes – according to this law – “unlawful removal” from the country’s territory. It also discusses how Greek courts understand the notion of “due care and attention”, according to Article 10 of the Directive 2014/60/EU, and why it is important that in cases where return is ordered, the possessor is the one to demonstrate that s/he exercised due care and attention in acquiring the object in order for her/him to be compensated. Comments are made as to changes that need to be introduced in Greek law by reason of implementing the Directive. Finally, this article discusses future functioning and efficiency of this new EU legal instrument.