Valence state of Eu in EuPd<SUB>2</SUB>P<SUB>2</SUB>

EuPd<SUB>2</SUB>P<SUB>2 </SUB> has been classified as mixed-valent from its lattice volume anomaly, while our M&#246;ssbauer isomer-shifts and magnetic measurements suggest a divalent-4f<SUP>7</SUP> state. The Eu-L<SUB>III</SUB>-edge X-ray absorption spectrum, however, exhibits a double-peaked structure typical for mixed-valent materials. Various reasons for this apparent discrepancy are discussed including the possible existence of a partly extended 4f radius