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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 private papers of individuals, movements and international organisations involved in European integration. 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

Nine archival images from EUI campus life and buildings

Over 50 years of the EUI's visual history now available online

The Historical Archives of the European Union has completed the selection, description and full digitization of the audiovisual collection of the European University Institute. The files may be accessed through the Archives’ online database and multimedia portal.

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New research on the horizon thanks to European Space Agency grants

Federica Giaccio and Nicolas Leroy have been awarded grants to conduct archival research in the European Space Agency fonds at the Historical Archives of the European Union. Their research will be supported by the European Space Agency Postgraduate Research Grant.

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Three early career scholars selected to receive 2025 EPP Group research grants

Mariaserena Cannistraci, Teona Lavrelashvili and Thomas Zaugg have been assigned European People’s Party Postgraduate Research Grants for the 2025-26 academic year. The EPP Group grant supports archival research exploring the impact of Christian Democracy on European integration.

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Shared heritage, shared mission: A visit from our depositors

Archivists Paqui Ciudad Rodriguez, team leader of Research and Communication at the Historical Archives Service of the European Commission, and her colleague Flore Plisnier visited the Archives in Florence to present their work, meet colleagues, and exchange ideas on user experiences and public outreach.

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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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