The historical archives of the EU institutions hold public documents that record decisions and findings that helped shape the EU as we know it today.
EU archives
The EU’s historical archives are administered by the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence. It makes documents from the European institutions (and those of pro-European movements and personalities) available to the public.
Archives of EU institutions
European Parliament
Historical archives of the European Parliament
The European Parliament’s archives hold more than 5 million historical records, including adopted texts, reports, parliamentary questions, petitions and committee papers dating back to 1952. Email, write, telephone or visit the archives.
European Council
European Council conclusions (1993-2003)
European Council conclusions (1975-92)
Council of the European Union
The Council’s archives hold documents produced or received by the Council that are over 30 years old. Search the archives or make an appointment to visit.
European Commission
Historical archives of the European Commission
The Commission’s archives hold documents produced or received by the Commission that are over 30 years old. Search online or visit the archives in person.
Court of Justice of the European Union
Historical archives of the EU Court of Justice
The Court’s archives are based at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence. They comprise documents produced or received by the Court that are over 30 years old. Request an appointment to visit.
European Central Bank
Archives of the European Central Bank
The ECB’s archives hold records of the bank’s activities since 1964 to the present day. They include audiovisual material and artefacts. Search online or request a document in writing.
European Court of Auditors
Archives of the European Court of Auditors
The ECA's archives contain all of its work files since 1977. Documents covering the 1977-91 period have been transferred to the Historical archives of the European Union in Florence. Search online.
European External Action Service
Archives of the European External Action Service
The EEAS archives contain material produced and published by the EEAS since 2011 that is no longer updated but remains archived online.
European Committee of the Regions
Archives of the Committee of the Regions
The Committee of the Regions’ archives hold documents produced or received by the CoR that are over 30 years old. Its consultation room is accessible to researchers by appointment.
European Investment Bank
Archives of the European Investment Bank
The EIB’s historical archives that hold records from 1956 can be consulted at the research centre of the historical archives of the EU in Florence or online.
European Ombudsman
European Ombudsman – historical documents
View details of the European Ombudsman’s key historical documents.