A learning visit to Villa Salviati for EU trainees
For the third time since 2023, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) organised a study day at Villa Salviati for trainees from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma and the European Training Foundation (ETF) in Turin.
More than 100 young professionals took part, many encountering the Historical Archives and the European University Institute (EUI) for the first time.
Discovering the Archives and the EUI
Throughout the day, trainees explored the Archives’ role in preserving and opening up the documentary heritage of European integration. They also learned about academic and career opportunities at the EUI, and took part in a guided visit of Villa Salviati’s historic interiors and gardens.
A learning experience at the heart of European integration
Introduced in 2023 by EFSA Traineeship Coordinator, Carolina Pereira da Silva, the initiative has since become a key moment in EFSA’s traineeship programme:
“I am particularly proud of this initiative, which brings our trainees beyond the boundaries of EFSA and into the broader European institutional landscape. The study visit to the European University Institute and the Historical Archives offers a unique opportunity to connect our daily work with the history and values of Europe."
"What makes this experience even more meaningful is the strong spirit of collaboration—not only among EFSA trainees, but also with peers from other organisations and former trainees who shared their career journeys. It is exactly this combination of learning, exchange, and inspiration that we aim to foster through the EFSA traineeship programme.”
A diverse and international group
Most participants were EFSA trainees: early-career scientists—including food chemists, toxicologists, veterinarians and nutritionists—alongside aspiring professionals in communication, IT and administration. They came primarily from EU Member States and widening countries.
The ETF group reflected a broader international reach, with trainees also coming from countries such as Morocco, Palestine and Georgia, specialising in areas including communication, external relations and procurement, explained Ermina Martini, Partnerships and Mobilisation Officer for the ETF.
Building partnerships across institutions
Collaboration between the EUI, the Historical Archives, EFSA and the ETF has grown steadily in recent years, through joint activities and, more recently, the development of formal partnership agreements.
Elena Asciutti, EUI Coordinator for External Relations, also participated in the day. "These partnerships reflect the EUI’s commitment to the internationalisation of higher education and research. By connecting our academic community with European institutions, we create spaces where knowledge, policy, and practice meet—offering young professionals a deeper understanding of Europe in action, " she said.
A memorable visit
While the spring setting of Villa Salviati provided an inspiring backdrop, visitors were equally impressed by the people of the EUI and the breadth of activities taking place across the campus.
Vasilia and Nawelle, EFSA trainees from Greece and France, highlighted the enthusiasm and openness of HAEU and EUI staff—from archivists and historians to colleagues in human resources and external relations. “People are very passionate about their jobs,” they noted. “Their commitment is inspiring.”
Echoing these reflections, a young veterinarian expressed her amazement at the scope of the Historical Archives’ work, remarking how discovering the preservation of the EU institutions’ memory in her own home country had come as a complete surprise.