Established in the late nineteenth century, the Italian Archaeological Institute of Athens is under the Italian Ministry of Culture. Alone or in collaboration with universities it undertakes excavational projects in Greece, always under the supervision of the local archaeological Ephor; it can also set up exhibitions with other relevant organizations. It employs staff after a screening and its proper function depends on human potential. Possible cooperations with other European Archaeological Services are subject to the legislation and the directives of the European Common Market.