On 19 April 1972, in Florence, the six founding states of the European Communities sign the Convention setting up a European University Institute (EUI).

The text creates an intergovernmental postgraduate research institute in the social sciences and humanities, with its seat in Florence (in practice Fiesole / Badia Fiesolana). Annexed is a protocol on privileges and immunities; a headquarters agreement with Italy was also required.

A preparatory committee chaired by Max Kohnstamm organised the administration between 1972 and 1975. Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom acceded during the preparatory phase; the Convention entered into force in 1975, and the Institute admitted its first researchers in November 1976.

The EUI awards doctorates under the Convention, not Italian law; recognition of its qualifications rests on the treaty and a 1985 education ministers’ recommendation. A revising Convention was signed in Florence in June 1992.

Membership tracked EU enlargements; the United Kingdom left the Convention with Brexit. As of 2025–2026, 24 contracting states fund and govern the Institute through the High Council.

The consolidated text is published by the EUI and in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

The EUI Convention of 19 April 1972 remains the founding act of Europe’s doctoral university in Florence.

Image: Badia Fiesolana / EUI; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: European University Institute. Treaty text: Convention setting up a European University Institute (EUR-Lex).