On 20-21st. March 2025, the French restitution committee (CIVS) hosted in Berlin a multilateral workshop of the Network of European Restitution Committees on Nazi-looted Art, for two intensive days of practice-based exchange.
Held at the French Embassy, this seminar gathered 30 high-level representatives from six countries (Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland) including the chairwoman and men from The Netherlands Prof. Toon van Mierlo, The United-Kingdom Sir Donnel Deeny and France Ms Frédérique Dreifuss-Netter and numerous members of the different advisory panels. This strong institutional presence ensured valuable input about Europe's restitution practices.
The goal of this workshop was to deepen understanding, compare methodologies, and identify shared bottlenecks in current practices. Participants responded with enthusiasm, highlighting the value of the workshop format in providing space not only for intellectual reflection but also for practical, collaborative problem-solving. In doing so, the Network is advancing a European-wide culture of restitution, rooted in shared principles but sensitive to national contexts.

The Advisory Commission on the return of cultural property seized as a result of Nazi persecution, especially Jewish property, chaired by Prof. Hans-Jürgen Papier, decided unanimously on 6 September 2024 in the case of the heirs of George Grosz versus Freie Hansestadt Bremen not to recommend restitution of
a) the painting Pompe Funèbre by George Grosz and
b) the painting Stillleben mit Okarina, Fisch und Muschel by George Grosz
to the heirs of George Grosz.

1. The proceedings concern the paintings Pompe Funèbre and Stillleben mit Okarina, Fisch und Muschel by George Grosz. In detail:
   a) Pompe Funèbre (1928), oil on gilt bronze on canvas, measuring 100 x 70 cm. The painting was acquired in 1979 by Kunstverein Bremen with funds provided by Freie Hansestadt Bremen. It is in the holdings of Kunsthalle Bremen (1230-1979/6).
   b) Stillleben mit Okarina, Fisch und Muschel [Still life with ocarina, fish and shell] (also Stillleben mit Okarina [Still life with Ocarina]) (1931), oil on canvas, measuring 54.5 x 36 cm (divergently 53 x 36 cm). The painting was acquired in 1972 by Kunstverein Bremen with funds provided by Freie Hansestadt Bremen. It is in the holdings of Kunsthalle Bremen (1075-1972/23).
   The claimants are the heirs of George Grosz.