Osnabrück moves forward: Arbitration tribunal set up for the return of Nazi-looted property

Osnabrück moves forward: Arbitration tribunal set up for the return of Nazi-looted property

In Osnabrück, a significant step is being taken in coming to terms with the National Socialist past. On July 1, 2025, the city council unanimously decided to take part in a new, official arbitration tribunal for the return of cultural property stolen during the Nazi era. In this way, the city shows a strong commitment to responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism. This is reported by the Bunny mail.

Osnabrück is one of the first cities in Germany to follow the administrative agreement concluded in March 2025 between the federal government, states and municipal umbrella associations. The establishment of the arbitration tribunal creates a neutral body that will decide on disputes regarding the return of stolen works of art and cultural assets. The previously existing “National Socialist Looted Property Advisory Commission” only made recommendations that were not legally binding.

New paths to restitution

Coming to terms with the past – that is the aim of this reform. It will be possible to submit applications for the return of cultural property without much bureaucratic effort. A one-sided application is sufficient for both direct victims and their descendants. The arbitration, which is based at the German Center for the Loss of Cultural Property, will work according to a binding evaluation framework. A remarkable commitment to responsibility for the victims of National Socialist injustice, isn't it?

This reform is in line with the Washington Principles of 1998 and the Joint Declaration of 1999, which concern the return of cultural property confiscated as a result of Nazi persecution. Loud the Minister of State for Culture Many people were robbed during the National Socialist tyranny. Jewish fellow citizens in particular suffered from this state-organized theft of cultural property. Those affected often had to sell their property below value or leave it behind while fleeing.

Review and evaluation

The city of Osnabrück is committed to accepting the rulings of the new arbitration court in return cases. The procedure will be evaluated after ten arbitration awards or at the latest in three years. The aim is to ensure that the rights of victims are strengthened and valuable cultural assets can be returned to their rightful owners, as stated by kulturgutlosen.de emerges.

In addition, public cultural institutions are also called upon to check their holdings for Nazi-looted items. Unclear acquisition processes should be disclosed in order to support the return of the works believed to be lost. The federal government and the states are doing everything they can to promote a comprehensive review of the issue.

With its decision, Osnabrück has laid the foundation for an important dialogue. The return of Nazi-looted property is not only a question of law, but also of moral responsibility. A good way to include those affected and their relatives in the telling of the city's history and to preserve the memory.