On the return of Romanian national treasure illegally appropriated by Russia
B-9-2024-0169
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Rovana Plumb, Dan Nica, Victor Negrescu, Mihai Tudose, Claudiu Manda, AdrianDragoş Benea, Carmen Avram, Maria Grapini, Corina Crețu
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
Parliament calls for the return of Romania's national treasure, which it says Russia illegally appropriated, including 91.5 tonnes of fine gold and cultural, religious and archival objects.¶¶¶ It recalls that the treasure was sent to Moscow in 1916-1917 under an agreement guaranteeing its return, and that only some cultural goods came back in 1935 and 1956.¶¶ It asks the Commission to widen EU cultural-goods policy to cover national treasures transferred in wartime under bilateral agreements, and to work with Romania on a tailor-made European response.¶¶¶ It calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to put the return on the future bilateral agenda with Russia once the war in Ukraine ends, and on the Commission to consider partnering the Romanian-Russian Joint Commission.¶
Key points
- Recalls that Romania's national treasure was entrusted to Russia for safekeeping under legally valid documents guaranteeing its return, and that these obligations were disregarded.¶
- Recognises the deposit of the treasure in Moscow in 1916 and 1917 as an unparalleled international case of illegal appropriation of gold reserves and heritage objects.¶
- Notes that the treasure comprised 91.5 tonnes of fine gold of the National Bank of Romania, royal jewels and rare coins, and cultural, archival and historical assets.¶
- Emphasises that despite diplomatic negotiations after the First World War, the treasure has never been fully returned by Russia.¶
- Notes that some cultural, artistic and archival goods were returned in 1935 and 1956, but none of the 91.5 tonnes of fine gold have been returned.¶
- Expresses concern that the Romanian-Russian Joint Commission has faced Russia's reluctance to return the gold, making a reassessment of previous discussions necessary.¶
- Highlights that special attention must be paid to preserving Member States' national treasures, as stipulated in the European Treaties.¶
- Welcomes EU efforts to protect cultural heritage, including Directive 2014/60/EU and the EU Action Plan against Trafficking in Cultural Goods, and says unlawfully removed objects must be returned.¶
- Notes that current EU legislation covers returns between Member States for objects removed before 1 January 1993, but that the Romanian treasure is a special case needing a specific solution.¶
- Emphasises that returning the treasure requires substantial diplomatic discussions, both bilaterally and in international forums.¶
- Calls on the Commission to widen EU cultural-goods policy to include recovery of national treasures transferred during wartime under bilateral agreements between states.¶
- Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to put the return on the future bilateral agenda with Russia once the war in Ukraine ends, and on the Commission to explore synergies with Romania and to consider partnering the Romanian-Russian Joint Commission.¶¶
Who is affected
- Romania: the resolution supports its claim to the return of its gold reserves and cultural, religious and archival objects.¶¶¶
- Russia: the resolution says it illegally appropriated the treasure and has not returned it.¶¶
- The Commission: asked to widen EU cultural-goods policy, explore synergies with Romania and consider partnering the Joint Commission.¶¶¶
- The European External Action Service: asked to envisage putting the return on the future bilateral agenda with Russia.
- Member States: reminded that they define their national treasures and must preserve them.¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- 91.5 tonnes of fine gold belonging to the reserve of the Romanian National Bank¶¶
- 1916-1917: period when the treasure was evacuated to Moscow¶
- 1935 and 1956: years when some cultural, artistic and archival goods were returned¶
- 1 January 1993: cut-off date in current EU legislation for returns of cultural goods between Member States¶
Legal basis: Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union¶