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Historical Archives of the European Union

The Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) preserves and makes accessible for research the archives deposited by EU institutions according to the thirty-year rule governing access to archival material. It also collects and preserves the private papers of individuals who have played a role in the history of European integration, together with the records of movements and international organisations which have contributed to the European project. Finally, it facilitates research on the history of the European Union, promotes public interest in European integration through education and outreach, and enhances transparency in the functioning of EU Institutions.

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HAEU deposit

Explore our holdings

The holdings of the Historical Archives of the European Union are organised in four different groups: EU institutions, bodies and agencies; Individuals; Corporate Bodies; Collections.

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European Commission documents

Research support

Users receive support to conduct their research at the Archives through a range of grant programmes and benefit from a large collection of research guides and specialised library resources.

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HAEU Reading Room entrance

Services for users

Specialised staff deliver services to users who wish to consult the archives in a dedicated reading room at Villa Salviati or remotely upon request.

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Anna Herold RSCAS Flickr Schifanoia People Conference

Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre

The Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre on the History of European Integration supports young researchers, coordinates networks of historians, facilitates the use of primary sources and increases public interest in European integration history.

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News

Political transformation, European integration focus of Visegrad grant winners

Six early-career researchers have been awarded International Visegrad Fund grants to conduct archival research at the Historical Archives of the European Union. Their projects explore European integration, enlargement, monetary governance, human rights protections and how citizens have imagined united Europe.

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“Don't react with anger. React with vision.”

Thirty-five years before Halley's Comet's expected return, discover how archival records preserved at the Historical Archives document the European Space Agency's Giotto mission, Roger Bonnet's vision and a great European achievement in space science.

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An archivist demonstrates documents and artefacts to students visiting the HAEU archival vaults.

Archives are accessible – archives for everyone

Accessibility is not just about providing a physical or digital space for archival consultation. It also includes preparing useful descriptions and search tools, furnishing research guides and offering research support, guaranteeing the long-term preservation of a range of file formats, and changing public perception about archives through education and outreach.

View an exhibit on the HAEU's 40 years of activity making archives accessible

All programmes of Interviews

Oral History Programmes

The Historical Archives of the European Union is the repository for various oral history programmes, launched to preserve the voices of European politicians and officials.

HAEU Edu Programme
Educational Projects

Educational Projects

The Educational Projects of the HAEU engage specialised and general publics with the archival documents of the EU deposited in Florence. This programme aims at enhancing the knowledge of the history of European integration and at promoting the understanding of European citizenship.

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Friends of the Historical Archives of the European Union

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Historical Archives of the European Union

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-17:00

Villa Salviati

Pedestrian access: Via Bolognese 156 / Via Faentina 261
Car access: Via Salviati 3B

50139 Firenze (FI)

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