Economist forecasts progress on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures in 2025

The enduring controversy surrounding the Parthenon Sculptures, one of the world's most prominent cultural property disputes, may see significant progress in 2025, according to The Economist's The World Ahead 2025 report.

These 2,500-year-old artifacts, referred to as the Elgin Marbles in Britain, were removed from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. They were transported to Britain, purchased by the British Museum in 1816, before becoming a centerpiece of its collection in London. Greece, which has accused Elgin of theft, has consistently called for their permanent return since gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

"But in 2025, the marbles may finally be on the move - or, at least, negotiations about their status might take a big step...