EURBICA’s New Executive Committee: A Diverse Leadership for European Archival Development
On 31 March 2025, the European Branch of the International Council on Archives (EURBICA) elected a new Executive Committee for a four‑year mandate. Among the chosen members is Dr Valeria Vanesio, an associate professor in the Department of Library, Information and Archive Sciences at the University of Malta. Her appointment signals a commitment by Malta and the wider European community to bolster the role of archives in the digital age.
Who is Dr Valeria Vanesio?
Dr Vanesio earned her PhD in Archival History & Digital Preservation from the University of Edinburgh, with a thesis that examined the transformation of national archives in post‑colonial contexts. She has published multiple peer‑reviewed articles on topics such as metadata standards, open‑access repositories, and the ethical stewardship of sensitive records. At the University of Malta, she leads the Digital Archives Initiative, a project that has digitized over 5,000 hours of oral history recordings from Maltese communities and made them available through an open‑access portal.
Her work is characterized by a blend of rigorous research, hands‑on technical implementation, and a collaborative approach that bridges institutional boundaries. In 2023, she was awarded the EU Erasmus+ project prize for “Innovative Cross‑Border Archival Collaboration,” which brought together archivists from Greece, Italy, and Malta to develop a shared metadata schema for the Mediterranean diaspora.
What Does EURBICA Do?
EURBICA, a regional branch of the International Council on Archives (ICA), serves as a platform for national archives, public record offices, and independent archiving institutions across the European Union. Its mandate includes:
- Facilitating dialogue on best practice and policy across borders.
- Providing a coordinated response to emerging threats such as climate change, cyber‑security, and policy shifts on data protection.
- Advocating for the recognition of archives as critical cultural assets and knowledge economies.
With the appointment of a new Executive Committee, EURBICA aims to accelerate initiatives that promote digital infrastructure, capacity building, and research collaboration.
Dr Vanesio’s Role on the Committee
Dr Vanesio is responsible for championing digital projects that support archival science across member countries. She will:
- Lead the Digital Heritage Task Force, which focuses on interoperability standards for digital records.
- Advise on Ethical Guidelines for handling personal data in historical archives.
- Facilitate Knowledge Transfer between Malta’s archives and larger European archives through exchange programs and joint seminars.
Her tenure will coincide with EURBICA’s strategic plan to enhance digital access and strengthen the professional network of archival specialists.
Collaboration Across Borders
One of the unique strengths of the new committee lies in its diverse composition. Chair Cristian Anița represents the National Archives of Romania, Vice‑Chair Cristina Díaz Martínez brings expertise from the State Archives of Spain, Secretary General Zoltán Szatúcs offers insights from the Hungarian National Archives, and Executive Member Vlatka Lemić from ICARUS (Archives of the University of Zagreb) ensures academic perspectives are included. This blend of practitioners and scholars underscores the growing recognition that archival science is both a professional craft and an academic field.
Dr Vanesio will collaborate closely with these colleagues to initiate joint projects such as the “EuroArchive Digital Hub,” a shared platform that will host digitised collections from across Europe. The hub aims to reduce duplication of effort by providing a centralised metadata registry and a modular toolkit for preservation workflows.
Implications for the University of Malta
The University of Malta, already a leading institution in the Mediterranean region, stands to benefit from this increased visibility on the European stage. Several tangible outcomes are anticipated:
- Enhanced funding opportunities for digital projects through EU programmes.
- Strengthened partnerships with national archives across Europe, leading to student and faculty exchange programmes.
- Elevated status of Malta’s archival research, attracting international scholars and conferences.
For students pursuing a Master’s in Archival Science and Information Management at UM, this appointment showcases a real path into European archives networks. The curriculum already includes modules on metadata standards and digital preservation, and the new committee will likely create case studies and internship opportunities that students can leverage.
Engagement Opportunities for Practitioners and Students
Practical engagements are on the horizon. The University’s archives department will host a series of webinars titled “Navigating Digital Archives in the EU,” covering topics such as IHOIM metadata, cloud preservation, and cross‑border data governance. These events will be open to both professionals and students. Additionally, a scholarship program funded by EURBICA will support postgraduate students from smaller EU member states to pursue research projects in Malta.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Archival science is undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advances, changing legal frameworks, and evolving public expectations. EURBICA’s executive committee will prioritize the following challenges:
- Digital Preservation: Ensuring long‑term accessibility of born‑digital records amid software obsolescence and storage degradation.
- Data Protection and Privacy: Balancing open access with GDPR compliance, especially for personal documents.
- Climate Resilience: Developing disaster recovery plans for archival institutions susceptible to flooding and extreme weather events.
- Professional Development: Creating a standardized certification pathway for European archivists.
Dr Vanesio’s expertise in ethical data management and digital projects positions her to spearhead initiatives that address these issues. Her experience with cross‑border collaboration will help harmonise standards and streamline workflows.
What Can Professionals Do Now?
Archivists and information professionals looking to stay ahead can:
- Participate in EURBICA-led workshops and seminars.
- Submit proposals for joint research projects using the EURBICA funding portal.
- Adopt or contribute to the proposed digital metadata standards through the “EuroArchive Digital Hub.”
- Follow or join Moodle or other open‑source platforms that support archival training.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for European Archival Science
The election of Dr Valeria Vanesio to the EURBICA Executive Committee marks a significant milestone for the University of Malta and the broader European archival community. Her leadership will reinforce the digital and ethical dimensions of archival practice, promote cross‑border collaboration, and accelerate the region’s adaptation to emerging challenges.
Whether you are a seasoned archivist, a recent graduate, or an academic interested in archival research, the developments spearheaded by the new committee offer concrete opportunities for professional growth and contribution to a vital cultural sector.
Keep abreast of upcoming seminars, funding calls, and collaborative projects by staying connected through EURBICA’s official channels and the University of Malta’s archives website.
Take action now: Explore the University of Malta’s Digital Archives Initiative and discover how you can be part of the future of archival science in Europe.
Contact the University of Malta archives department to explore collaborative projects, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on archival science advancements.
