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Archives

The archives preserve the institutional memory of the Council of the European Union and of the European Council by storing and providing access to historical files dating back to the first Council meeting, held in 1952.

Search the archives

The Council archives grant access to files that are more than 30 years old.

A treaty book open on a page with many signatures
Merger Treaty of the three Communities creating a single Council and Commission.

Explore our collections

Our collections make it possible to retrace the Council’s history and role in EU integration.

A group of journalists gathering around the treaty book at the signature of the treaty of Amsterdam
Signing the Treaty of Amsterdam, 2 October 1997.

What's on - exhibitions and events

Discover our exhibitions, feature stories and articles.

Four men sitting at a table signing the Yaoundé I Convention
Signing of the Yaoundé I Convention, 20 July 1963, Yaoundé (Cameroon).

Oral history at the Council

The oral history collection contains interviews with personalities who have contributed to the development and history of the EU institutions.

Jim Cloos sitting in a meeting room with a view of the Europa building behind him.
Jim Cloos during an interview at the premises of the Council, 9 March 2022.

Legislative framework

Contact 

The Council archives grant access to files that are more than 30 years old. Files and documents that are less than 30 years old can be accessed through the public register or by submitting a request for a document. 

A reading room is open for visitors from 10:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.

Please contact the archive team to make an appointment prior to your visit.

Address

Archives of the Council of the European Union 
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 
1048 Bruxelles/Brussel 
Belgique/België

See also

Last review: 3 February 2026