Three Ortoli sub-fonds now accessible
The Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) in Florence has just received the archives of François-Xavier Ortoli's cabinet under the Thorn Commission (1981-1984). This is the third and final Ortoli sub-fonds, which completes those from his European Commission presidency between 1973 and 1977 and his first vice-presidency under the Jenkins Commission (1987-1981). Researchers will thus be able to study the entirety of this prominent leader's European activities through 602 files covering a total of 27.5 linear meters and listed in three detailed inventories.
The archives of the Ortoli presidency (1973-1977)
François-Xavier Ortoli's presidency of the European Commission (1973-1977) began with the entry of the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland into the Community. It was a moment of economic crisis resulting from the 1973 oil shock, which caused inflation, economic stagnation, and unemployment. These conditions pushed the Commission to seek coordinated economic policies while developing regional policy through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
In this sub-fonds, researchers will find information on the President's coordination activities through his internal and external interactions. The files, although sometimes incomplete, are rich in material on economic and financial issues. They cover the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and energy policies in the face of the oil crisis. Institutional functions are well documented, with files on relations between the European institutions and debates on the European Union, including the Tindemans Report. Summits, particularly the 1974 Paris Summit and European Council meetings, enrich this perspective. Files on the G6 summits provide an understanding of the global economic concerns of the time. Media relations, through interviews, illustrate the President's representative role, while documents on external relations, particularly with Spain and the United States, complete the analysis of foreign policies.
Consult the published inventory of the first Ortoli cabinet on the OP website.
Access the archives of the Ortoli presidency via the HAEU website.
The archives of the Ortoli cabinet under the Jenkins Commission (1977-1981)
During his first vice-presidency, F.-X. Ortoli closely monitored the economic situation of each Member State and played a key role in relaunching EMU. After the near failure of the European Currency Snake, he helped establish a European monetary system based on fixed but adjustable exchange rates, to which all countries except the United Kingdom adhered, thus ensuring greater monetary stability. Responsible for the Credit and Investment portfolio, Ortoli oversaw Community instruments supporting businesses, such as ECSC loans for the coal and steel industries and Euratom loans for nuclear energy. He also introduced the "Ortoli Facilities," allowing the Commission to borrow for energy and infrastructure projects, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) playing a key role in granting loans. His involvement in institutional reforms was also notable, as chairman of the " Groupe des trois sages."
This second sub-fonds covers most of the activities of the vice-president and his office, but the relatively small number of files does not always provide an exhaustive documentation of these activities. However, the European Monetary System (EMS), F.-X. Ortoli's major achievement during this term, is the subject of a greater number of files, along with files on relations and cooperation with the EIB. In addition to activities related to the office's responsibilities, this sub-fonds also documents work on other Community policies. Budget and enlargement are the main themes, with an emphasis on the economy and finance.
Consult the published inventory of this second office via the OP website.
Access the archives via the HAEU website.
The Ortoli Cabinet archives under the Thorn Commission (1981-1984)
Ortoli's second term as vice-president shares strong similarities with his previous one, with responsibilities focused on economic and financial affairs and on credit and investment policy. This allowed him to monitor and support the evolution of the EMS, which was in the process of consolidation, but also to act to strengthen economic structures, particularly in the industrial sector. The policy that the Commission sought to promote, even more so than under Jenkins, closely combined monetary stability, structural renewal, and the completion of the internal market.
This sub-fonds covers the bulk of the activities of the vice-president and his cabinet. Both portfolios are well documented. The archives cover the important themes of this term, such as the EMS, foreign exchange market surveillance, and relations with the EIB. The G7 and European Council meetings are also covered. Although not within the purview of Ortoli's cabinet, files documenting work related to other Community policies are also included, Topics such as social affairs, the budget, and competition are among the best documented.
Consult the inventory of Ortoli’s third office via the OP website.
Access the archives on the HAEU website.
Photo: Press conference by François-Xavier Ortoli on the results of the first half of 1975. Photo by Jean-Louis Debaize ©European Communities, 1975. (Source: EC - Audiovisual Service)