Decisions of the Arbitration Panel for In Rem Restitution, Volume 5

This volume presents key decisions from the Arbitration Panel, focusing on restitution claims related to properties seized during the National Socialist era.

The series Decisions of the Arbitration Panel for In Rem Restitution highlights a crucial aspect of Austria's recent efforts to address the repercussions of the National Socialist era. This particular volume, Volume 5, presents a collection of fifteen decisions made by the Arbitration Panel between 2007 and 2008. Each decision is provided in its original German alongside an English translation, making it accessible to a broader audience interested in the historical context and legal implications of these rulings.

Established in response to the Washington Agreement of 2001, the Arbitration Panel for In Rem Restitution plays a vital role in the process of reclaiming property that was seized during the National Socialist era and is now publicly owned. The decisions documented in Decisions of the Arbitration Panel for In Rem Restitution, Volume 5 primarily address cases involving real estate that was confiscated between 1938 and 1945. These properties were publicly owned as of the cut-off date stipulated in the Agreement, which was January 17, 2001, and many had previously undergone restitution proceedings after World War II.

Since its inception in 2003, the Arbitration Panel has reviewed numerous applications and has often recommended the return of properties to their former owners or legal successors. Through its rulings, the Panel has established a nuanced body of case law that reflects the complexities of restitution in the aftermath of historical injustices. Volume 5 serves as an important resource for understanding these developments and the ongoing efforts to rectify past wrongs.