Forty years of access and preservation : historical archives of the European Union

In December 1984, an agreement between the European Commission and the European University Institute laid the foundation for what would become the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU). The HAEU has since become the EU institutions' official archival centre for the preservation and access to their historical documents. Moreover, it has expanded its remit by collecting the archives of selected organisations with a European scope, the private papers of key European actors, and oral history programmes and audiovisual materials that shed light on the history of European integration. Published to mark the 40th anniversary of the HAEU, this catalogue offers a curated selection of primary sources that reflect both the breadth and depth of the Archives' holdings. Organised into thematic chapters, it explores diverse facets of European integration history, shedding light on the milestones, challenges, and achievements that have shaped the European Union. It also invites readers behind the scenes of the Historical Archives to explore the ongoing work dedicated to conserving these materials and ensuring public access for future generations.