The Vision of a European Archives Institute

National traditions which determine the nature of archives and archival work (structuurbeginsel) would prevent the merging of the existing training institutions in Europe into a uniform training scheme. But a European Archives Institute with the primary task of undertaking technical and theoretical studies in the archival field would fill a gap, since most European countries lack appropriate research centers on archives. Experienced mid-career archivists could be detached to the Institute to undertake research on issues of common interest. Short term training courses on common elements and comparative studies could lead to the development of a truly European archival science.