A European 'us' against an alien 'them' row may possibly break out soon on matters of cultural identity. It is argued that the EU could get tough with the British (possibly soon to be renamed "English") Museum after the Brexit (Philip Chrysopoulos, 'Could Greece Force EU to Demand Repatriation of Parthenon Marbles after Brexit?' Greek Reporter, 17th Dec 2019):
As Britain leaves the European Union, it is taking with it one of its members’ most invaluable cultural treasures. It is likely now that the issue of the repatriation of the Parthenon sculptures will take on a new dimension. As a member of the EU, Britain remained adamant about the British Museum’s rightful ownership of the sculptures in response to Greece’s repeated requests that they be returned. [...] After Britain’s withdrawal from the Union, the country will have to sign new agreements with the EU on a range of important issues. One of these concerns the realm of culture and cultural artifacts. And without a doubt, Greece’s ancient Parthenon sculptures belong to this category, and take pride of place in it. What Greece can push for now is the issue of the repatriation of these particular cultural artifacts to their original and rightful owners, regardless of any possible claims of legality from centuries ago expressed by the British Museum.Claims which seem pretty dodgy anyway. In 2015, the United Nations began an initiative called “The Restitution or Return of Cultural Property in the Countries of Origin,” which includes an explicit reference to the return of the Parthenon Marbles. What Greece simply must do now is bring the issue of the repatriation of the Parthenon sculptures to the Brexit negotiation table. As a member of the European Union, Greece can at last take a hard stance and use its veto power in all future deals made between Great Britain and the EU. Greece could be able to force the EU to demand the repatriation of the Parthenon marbles as part of the Brexit deal. Keep the Parthenon Marbles in Europe, where they belong.
