More than 4500 documents concerning the cabinets of the Presidents of the European Parliament (EP) Pierre Pflimlin (France) and Lord Henry Plumb (United Kingdom) have been inventoried and are now available for consultation in the reading room of the Historical Archives of the European Union. The Historical Archives of the European Parliament transferred the papers to Florence in November 2021.
The documents illustrate the political and administrative life of the EP and its role in inter-institutional and international relations during Pflimlin’s and Plumb’s tenures as President, from 1984-1987 and from 1987-1989, respectively. EP Archivists have organised the documents by subject to highlight the main issues the two presidents dealt with during their terms.
The files include documents concerning subjects relating to the President as a public figure, such as sponsorships, press coverage, speeches, exchanges with citizens, and public advocacy for human rights. They also comprise materials illustrating the exercise of the Presidency, including events and meetings, hearings, courtesy visits, official visits and VIPs.
Another important series presents documents relating to the administrative and legal duties of the EP’s President's Office such as its relations with the various directorates-general and the Legal Service.
Both Pflimlin and Plumb served the European Parliament during a period of expansion and change, on several fronts. Pflimlin’s tenure was marked by the accession of Spain and Portugal in 1986, a significant moment in the history of the European Union. Under Plumb, the Single European Act on 1 July 1987 went into force, bringing with it a considerable increase in the powers of the European Parliament.
While most documents are available for consultation in the reading room, some have not yet been declassified and remain closed. These are mainly files concerning cases raised in front of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and petitions, or files concerning Parliament staff and correspondence, particularly with citizens.
Consult the inventories of the cabinets of Presidents Pierre Pflimlin and Lord Plumb.
Photo: President of the Italian Republic Sandro Pertini (right) receives President of the European Parliament Pierre Pflimlin (centre). HAEU PE2 34191