Skip to content

Historical Archives of the European Union

The 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 and enhances transparency in the functioning of EU Institutions.

Read more

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.

Read more Explore our Holdings
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.

Read more Research Support
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.

Read more Services for users
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.

Read more Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre

News

Zala L. N'Kanza at left, shakes hands with Ivor Richard

Ivor Richard Cabinet archives available for research

The HAEU has received 1,144 files produced by the Cabinet of Commissioner Ivor Richard during the Thorn Commission between 1981 and 1985. Ivor Richard was responsible for employment, social affairs, and education.

Read more Ivor Richard Cabinet archives available for research

2025 Open Day draws 5000 visitors to Villa Salviati

The annual Open Day of the Historical Archives of the European Union drew crowds of people to the European University Institute campus for guided visits, concerts, circus activities and spectacles, as well as live readings, historical reenactments, and an art exhibit.

Read more 2025 Open Day draws 5000 visitors to Villa Salviati

Pre-Life environmental programmes archives open for research

The HAEU has received a collection of archives processed by the Historical Archives Service of the European Commission, relating to the Pre-LIFE programmes from 1984 to 1992. These original archives shed light on the Commission's support for numerous environmental conservation projects during that period.

Read more Pre-Life environmental programmes archives open for research

The Western Balkans: hostage to its past? An interview with Klodiana Beshku

Klodiana Beshku, expert in the geopolitics of the Balkan region and Visiting Fellow at the EUI, describes her recent work on the area, including the region’s relationship with the European Union, the problem of nationalism, and the region’s delicate position with regard to the war in Ukraine.

Read more The Western Balkans: hostage to its past? An interview with Klodiana Beshku

View all news

Historical archives entrance

Europe and Europeans 1950>2020: 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a short but powerful statement made by the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, on the 9th of May 1950. The declaration, drafted by Jean Monnet and pronounced by Schuman, initiated the process of European integration with its vision of a joint French and German coal and steel production.

Read more

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.

Read More

Friends of the Historical Archives of the European Union

Read more

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)

Go back to top of the page