Methodology
This file is based around a series of filmed accounts from figures who were closely acquainted with Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa during his career. The CVCE has drawn on its expertise in the field of oral history for this project.
Each of the interviewees, from political or economic circles or civil society, worked closely at some stage with Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, exchanging concepts and ideas with him in the pursuit of common goals. Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa was a networking man who maintained close links over the years with the people he encountered through his work. These figures were therefore well placed to develop an informed opinion of him, of his personality, working methods and beliefs.
The interviews have been primarily conducted for academic purposes, namely to provide new oral sources for researchers specialising in European studies. These sources often represent a useful complement to other resources and archive material, and may even serve to shed new light on this material.
The interviews also constitute a precious legacy for present and future generations. These personal accounts are an effective and appealing way to get closer to current — even immediate — history.
The CVCE’s oral history project also involves an important editorial dimension concerning the way in which the results of recorded interviews are published and how their potential can be fully optimised in a digital environment. Each of these interviews is published in full and also as themed excerpts accompanied by a caption briefly summarising what has been said. A short biography of the interviewee is published alongside each interview. The accounts have been transcribed in their original language and also translated into English and French.
The recorded excerpts have been divided into the following themes:
- Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa: his personality, working method and stature as a public servant;
- Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa and the development of Economic and Monetary Union;
- Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa and his work as a central banker;
- Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa at the Italian Ministry of the Economy and Finance;
- Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa's work as Chairman of the Notre Europe think tank and his European vision.
Each themed section is introduced by a short explanatory text that sets the period and subject in context and also indicates which of the interviewees speak about that topic.
Alongside the interview excerpts, a selection of complementary documents provides additional context for the various themes covered. A detailed bibliography is also available.