Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU)

The Historical Archives of the European Union house over 240,000 documents, including the private collections of notable figures such as Alcide De Gasperi, Altiero Spinelli, Franco Maria Malfatti, Lorenzo Natali, Romano Prodi, and many others. The materials are stored across more than a thousand meters of shelving in extensive underground facilities.

For students, the visit represents an innovative educational experience, providing a hands-on introduction to archival research methods. The program typically begins with a short welcome and overview by the Archive’s Director, Dieter Schleker, followed by a presentation by Prof. Fauri on archival research methodology. The session concludes with a practical exercise in which students actively engage with the archival materials, learning how to conduct historical research and explore primary sources firsthand.