French Parliament Passes Law for Restitution of Colonial-Era Cultural Items
The French parliament has approved a new law facilitating the restitution of cultural items taken from former colonies. This legislation, passed on April 13, 2026, marks a significant step in fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron's 2017 pledge to return African heritage items. The law, initiated in 2023, faced delays due to political instability and the sensitive nature of the subject. It allows for the return of items proven to be stolen, looted, or sold under duress, with requests to be introduced by a state and examined by a bilateral scientific committee. The law applies to items taken between 1815 and 1972, excluding military items, public archives, and archaeological shares. The culture minister emphasized the law's universal character and the strict supervision of restitution procedures. 
