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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.

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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

François-Xavier Ortoli in a press conference, 1975

The complete archives of the Ortoli cabinets deposited together in Florence

The Archives has received 602 files from the three cabinets of François-Xavier Ortoli. The French politician served first as President of the European Commission, and then subsequently as Vice-President for Economic and Financial Affairs, Credit and Investment within the Jenkins and Thorn colleges.

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EU foreign policy in the Western Sahara focus of Vibeke Sørensen Fellow research

Vibeke Sørensen Grant Fellow Erell Mourouga consulted the Historical Archives’ oral history collection and primary sources from the European Union institutional fonds to write a research paper on the shaping of an EU position on the Western Sahara conflict in the years leading up to the Barcelona Conference.

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In Memoriam: Claus-Dieter Ehlermann (1931–2025)

Claus-Dieter Ehlermann was a dedicated servant of European integration. A lawyer by profession, he had a shaping hand in the implementation of Community principles based on rule of law. He was also a distinguished academic and expert on international antitrust law and trade policy.

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Save the date: Open Day at the Historical Archives on 10 May

In celebration of Europe Day across the European Union, the Historical Archives of the European Union welcomes the public on 10 May to enjoy Villa Salviati with free guided visits, art and photography exhibits, concerts, historical reenactments, and circus activities for people of all ages.

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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.

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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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