Chronology of protection of cultural property

Italy becomes active in the protection of cultural property in the 15th century

The Hellenes owe a debt of gratitude to the freedom fighter Grigorios Dikaios for the initiative for the protection of antiquities and the foundation of museums.

The regulations regulate the export of archaeological cultural property.

The Governor Mohammed Ali orders a ban on exports and decrees that only the government may decide on excavations, collections and exhibitions of antiquities.

With the entry into force of an edict of the Vizier Safiet Pasha, Constantinople becomes the destination of all antiquities. Their export is prohibited.

Due to the immense destruction of the Second World War, the protection of cultural property of any countries involved in armed conflicts becomes regulated internationally.

For the first time, there is a definition of the term ‘cultural property’ in international law.

The aim of the Convention is to counteract the increasing threat to extraordinary natural and cultural property in order to preserve them for future generations.

The law sets new standards through numerous changes.

It harmonizes control over the export of cultural goods at the external borders of the European Community.

The international treaty strengthens the UNESCO 1970 Convention.

More than 40 years after the conclusion of the Hague Convention, social developments call for improved protection of cultural property during armed conflicts. Against this background, the convention is made more precise and expanded.

The protection of cultural heritage under water is adapted to correspond to the protection of cultural heritage on land.

Member States agree on a ban on the import, export and trade of certain Iraqi cultural property in the European Economic Area.

The international community agrees on a ban on the illegal export of cultural property from the economic area of the EU to third countries.

With this, the EU amends Regulation No. 36/2012. Thus, there is an uniform EU regulation for an import and export ban as well as a trade ban for cultural property from Syria.

The document regulates the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed and at the same time constitutes an amendment to Regulation No. 1024/201.

Cultural goods from third countries should be protected against their illegal importation into the internal market and their being marketed there. In addition, cultural property illegally exported from countries of origin outside the EU may not be brought into the EU. The import or repatriation of European cultural property remains possible.