B4-1493/95

Resolution on the return of plundered property to Jewish communities

The European Parliament,

A.recalling the first additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (Paris 1952), and in particular Article 1 thereof, which stipulates that 'every natural or legal person is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of his possessions',

B.recalling the European Union's commitment to respect for and defence of human rights,

C.recalling the European Union's commitment to the duty of remembrance,

D.given the political upheavals in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989,

E.whereas certain countries of Central and Eastern Europe which have returned to democracy have ratified the European Convention on Human Rights (1950) by joining the Council of Europe,

F.given the twofold plundering of the property of Jewish communities, first under the regimes of the Nazis and their collaborators and then under the Communist regimes,

G.aware that under the Communist regimes many other individuals of various origins, communities and religions and many organizations, notably Christian churches, were deprived of their property,

1.Welcomes the fact that certain Eastern European states, notably Hungary and Romania, have accepted the principle of justice and morality by agreeing to return the property of Jewish communities to its rightful owners;

2.Welcomes the fact that certain Central and Eastern European countries have apologized publicly for the crimes committed against Jews during the Second World War and have recognized their responsibilities in respect of these crimes;

3.Calls on all countries of Central and Eastern Europe which have not already done so to adopt appropriate legislation regarding the return of plundered property so that the property of Jewish communities may be returned to Jewish institutions, in accordance with the principles of justice and morality;

4.Asks also that all countries of Central and Eastern Europe which have not already done so adopt appropriate legislation for the return of other property plundered by the Communists or the Nazis and their accomplices to their rightful owners;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe and the countries which have applied to join the European Union.