Archives of the European Parliament

Spotlight

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Shaping Europe: the story of European Parliament elections

Between 6–9 June 2024, millions of Europeans will participate in shaping the future of European democracy on the occasion of the European elections. It is a unique moment when we can all collectively decide on the future of the European Union. Learn about the history of these elections here.

 

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Workshop: AI in Archives

On 16 November 2023, 106 participants from across Europe took part in the workshop 'AI in Archives' at the European Parliament in Luxembourg. Representing EU institutions, national archives and universities, speakers addressed topics from natural language interfaces, process automisation and text mining.

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Archives Content Analysis Dashboard

With the help of AI tools, this tutorial video explains how to search and analyse documents of the Archives of the European Parliament. Discover historical documents from 1952 onwards and trace parliamentary activities from the ECSC Common Assembly to the elected European Parliament.

Online Access to Archival Documents

Discover historical documents from 1952 onwards and trace parliamentary activities from the ECSC Common Assembly to the elected European Parliament.

Visit our dashboard

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The Archives Unit Dashboard

The Archives Unit Dashboard makes over 800,000 archival documents from 1952 to 1984, and 40,000 parliamentary questions accessible to citizens. Learn about the features of the Dashboard here, and how you can use it to explore European Parliament history.

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Listening in the European Parliament

History and Facts Podcast

Explore the European Audio Capacity page and listen to podcasts on European Parliament history and much more here.

Listen to the podcasts here

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House of European History lectures

Through exchanges with renowned historians and experts on the history of Europe, the House of European History facilitates the exploration and critical examination of European histories, cultures and identities. From 17th century philosophies to contemporary geopolitics, these lectures give fascinating insight into historical and contemporary Europe, and that which connects them.

Watch the lectures here

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Transforming Parliaments webinar series: Digital transformation in archiving

Digital transformation is leading to innovation in the archiving of parliamentary records. Parliaments are increasingly faced with questions of how much to digitally archive and for which purposes. Watch this webinar to learn how some organizations – including from outside parliaments - are navigating such demands in the digital era.

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The Names behind European Parliament Buildings

European Parliament buildings, StrasbourgExternal view of the European Parliament buildings in Strasbourg © European Union 2016 – European Parliament

The names of European Parliament buildings pay homage to people who have, whether as a member of the European Parliament or as an influential intellectual or political figure, helped shape the idea and reality of Europe. Through the naming of buildings in their honour they remain, in quite a real sense, at the heart of Europe and serve as a reminder of the European ideal to those who encounter these buildings. Discover the lives of these remarkable figures and learn about their connection to the European Parliament through this series of articles.
Learn more about the names behind European Parliament buildings here

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Fonds

The fonds, or holdings, of the European Parliament are home to over 5 million items that are testament to 70 years of European parliamentary activity, from the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community to the present European Parliament. Learn about the archives of previous Presidents, Secretary-Generals and Members of the European Parliament and the people behind them here.

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An exhibition

Cultural Heritage

As an institution that has been at the heart of European and global historical events for seventy years, and been host to figures that have shaped contemporary Europe society, the Cultural Heritage collections of the European Parliament are a rich resource for anyone interested in the development of the idea and implementation of Europe since 1952. Discover our digital exhibitions on this history and other informative series here.

Explore the collections here

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Publications

Produced in collaboration with the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS), these publications offer a depth of historical insight into the European Parliament and its role in European and global politics and society. With a diverse selection of topics and texts ranging from informative briefings to lengthier analyses, explore these papers today and expand your knowledge of Parliament's history.

Browse the publications here

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About Us

What is the Archives Unit of the European Parliament? How can I access the archives for my own research? What is the legislation surrounding access to our historical documents? Find answers to these questions and more here as we explain our mission and offer other practical information.

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House of European History

The House of European History is a forum for learning, reflection and debate, open to audiences from all generations and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to enhance understanding of European history in all its complexity, to encourage the exchange of ideas and to question assumptions.

The House presents Europe's history in a way that raises awareness about the multiplicity of perspectives and interpretations. It preserves shared and dividing memories. It exhibits and collects the history of European integration and its foundations. A project of the European Parliament and part of its visitor offer, the House of European History is academically independent. A place for encounters and exchange, the House's multi-faceted interpretation of the past builds bridges to questions relevant for today's Europe.

Learn more about the House of European History here