Eurofound has opened its historical archives and transferred them to the Historical Archives of the European Union, located at the European University Institute in Florence. In doing so the Agency aims to contribute to public information on the history of the European Union and to further enhance transparency on the functioning of the EU Institutions.
The transfer of the historical archives is in accordance with the 2015 Archives regulation, which requires EU Agencies to deposit their Historical Archives at the Historical Archives of the European Union after 30 Years. This currently applies to Eurofound and CEDEFOP, as the two longest established EU Agencies.
The documents transferred cover from when the Agency became operational in 1976 and include the 1987 review of the remit and functioning of the Agency by the European Parliament and the European Commission. The latest transfer covers the period 1988-1990 and comprises 68 A4 archival boxes relating to the Governing Board, Bureau, and Committee of Experts. The files have been digitised to enhance transparency and accessibility for citizens across the Union.
Speaking on the opening of the archives, Eurofound Executive Director Ivailo Kalfin said,
‘Much has changed in Ireland and in Europe since President Patrick Hillery officially opened Eurofound’s offices at Loughlinstown in Dublin in 1978. These archives show the progress that has been made, and the enduring determination of women and men across Europe to improve the work and lives of all citizens. I am very pleased to see them made more accessible and for Eurofound to contribute to the European Union’s burgeoning history.’
More information
- Historical Archives of the European Union: Eurofound Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
- EUR-Lex: Council Regulation (EU) 2015/496
- RTÉ Archives: European Agency opens office in Dublin 1978
- Presentation: Eurofound archives 1976-1986