The Internal Market Information System (IMI) on the Return of Cultural Objects – Its Principles, Application, and Evaluation of Its Effectiveness for the Protection of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present and critically analyses a new special module of the Internal Market Information System (IMI), designed for the purposes of Directive 2014/60/EU. The module will serve as both a platform for the exchange of information between the Member States of the European Union (EU) and mean for realising the objectives of the Directive 2014/60/EU. First, the study presents the underlying causes and reasons behind the change in rules on the return of cultural objects in the EU, which gave basis for the employing the IMI system for the cultural heritage purposes. Next, it explains legal foundations for the use of this module and discusses the benefits and shortcomings of this new instrument for the protection of cultural heritage from illicit trafficking within the EU. Finally, the study also examines the differences and similarities with other instruments used in the search for cultural objects lost as a result of criminal acts.