The European Documentation Centre is an EU library, archive and information centre in one. As a point of contact for science and the region, it provides documents, publications and other resources on the European Union (EU). In addition, the EDC researches, advises and informs on all EU-related topics.

Find out more about the EDC

The EDZ office will not be staffed from 28 May to 10 June 2025.
We gladly receive your research orders and general requests from 11 June 2026.

Our services at a glance

  • Wide range of EU literature, media and resources.
  • Support and advice in finding detailed information on European policies and institutions, European law, integration, funding and grants.
  • Help with enquiries ranging from straightforward document searches to in-depth research on European topics, either online or print.
  • Compilation of documents and publications of the EU.
  • Contact details on relevant organisations.

EDC flyer (PDF file) (opens in new tab)

Topics and events with EU relevance

From 30 April up to 31 May 2026.

The European Union celebrates Europe Day every year on 9 May.
In Germany, European Weeks take place during the entire month of May.
These weeks provide a good opportunity for citizens to find out more about the EU, discuss issues and learn about European policy topics.


Events and activities during the European Weeks

Where you can get involved, find out more and have your say.


- Darmstadt University and State Library (ULB)

Information stands of the European Documentation Centre (EDC) at all three ULB locations (Stadtmitte, Schloss and Lichtwiese).
At these stands you will find lots of interesting information about the EU to take away with you.
An exhibition on the European Union, which we are hosting in cooperation with the EU Information Centre of the Darmstadt Regional Council.
In this exhibition, you can learn more about the principles and institutions of the EU, and how you can get involved.

Where: ULB-Stadtmitte, Magdalenenstrasse 8, 64289 Darmstadt.

When: 8 – 23 May 2026, Mon–Sun: 08:00–01:00

You are warmly invited to visit the EDZ information stands and the EU exhibition without registration and for free.

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- Hesse
Hesse organise a wide range of activities relating to European politics and cultures.

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- Germany and Europe

Events in Germany and EU Member States

Events in Frankfurt, Strasbourg and Luxembourg

Events and activities organised by the EU institutions in Brussels

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Background to Europe Day on 9 May
Europe Day (9 May) celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical Schuman Declaration. At a speech in Paris in 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, a project to bring the people of Europe together and secure lasting peace and democracy. The “European Coal and Steel Community” based on his proposal was the fundament of today's European Union.

Leading European library associations and organisations have released a manifesto calling on candidates for the European Parliament elections to ensure libraries realise their potential to build a stronger, fairer, more sustainable Europe.

Jointly produced by the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Association of European Research Libraries (LIBER), Public Libraries 2030 (PL2030) and National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe (NAPLE Forum), the document is built around the key ways in which libraries contribute:

1. As guarantors of equitable access to culture and education.

2. As vital supports for vibrant democracies.

3. As powerhouses for inclusive innovation.

4. As guardians of Europe’s memory.

6. As drivers of global development.

The joint European Library Association Manifesto “Libraries for a sustainable future (PDF file) (opens in new tab)"

If you have missed an event, you will find the past events with recordings and links here