Foto: museumservices.org
The amendments drafted by the Ministry of Culture are aimed at creating the regulatory framework necessary for the temporary storage of cultural heritage objects coming from third countries affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters or other emergencies.
According to the explanatory note to the draft, the need to introduce this mechanism is dictated by the current regional geopolitical situation, which has increased the risks of destruction, damage or illicit trafficking of cultural property. By establishing such specialized storage sites, the Republic of Moldova aims to become a State capable of providing temporary protection to cultural objects at the request of the authorities of the affected countries.
The draft clearly regulates the legal status of these objects. It is emphasized that placement in a “shelter” is only temporary and does not entail the transfer of ownership. The state will have to determine the authorized bodies responsible for overseeing these spaces, the conditions for accepting official requests, and the applicable customs regime. Storage and conservation costs will normally be borne by the State of origin, but may also be provided for in bilateral agreements.
In addition to regulating “safe havens”, the project aims to harmonize national procedures with European Union standards by tightening controls on the import and export of cultural property. In particular, strict documentary requirements – including import certificates and importer’s declarations – are introduced. The process itself is being digitized through the Information System “Register of Circulation of Trafficked Cultural Property”.
The draft will be considered at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting.
