Vision

Regions are the future of Europe.

Connected by the Danube and beyond, the people of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe share a
common cultural heritage and face similar regional and global challenges. Democracy, freedom,
equality, the rule of law and human rights, as well as universal European values, flourish through
dialogue and discourse. To preserve and build upon these morals, cooperation and
communication across borders are the key to a democratic, peaceful and sustainable European
future.

Mission

The Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe offers a wide range of expertise from
around the region and beyond.

Since 1953, the IDM’s experts and networks have provided a platform of profound knowledge
and offered a multitude of expert views on the grand challenges of our time by looking beyond
clichés and biases, creating sustainable cooperation across borders and barriers, as well as
promoting free and open discussion and peaceful solutions. By doing so, the Institute serves as a
multilateral hub for a democratic and resilient Europe.

The IDM is regional cooperation!

IDM 5Ps 

At the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, we are committed to promoting regional cooperation, informed dialogue, and European integration across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. To clearly present the scope and focus of our work, we organize our activities into five core pillars which we refer to as “5Ps”.

The IDM’s academic team of international experts offers expertise on current political developments in the Danube Region and Central Europe. Updates about the analysis and media comments are regularly published in the IDM’s newsroom.   

Over its more than 70 years of existence, the IDM has built a vast network of cooperation partners across all 19 of our target countries – a network that continues to grow through the alumni of the Danubius Awards, for example, and the Danube Rectors’ Conference. The IDM team also benefits from the expertise of its International Council. 

The IDM publishes a diverse range of formats – from the academic journal Der Donauraum and the science communication magazine Info Europa (featured in Der Standard) to policy papers, briefings, blog articles and occasional book publications. 

The IDM develops and implements a wide range of international projects that promote regional cooperation, European integration and democratic resilience in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. From capacity-building initiatives to cross-border dialogue formats, our projects bring together stakeholders from academia, civil society and policymaking.  

Each year, the IDM organizes on average one event per week! Through panel discussions, round tables, book presentations and more, we aim to engage the general public and bring in expert voices from the region. The IDM also hosts recurring event series, such as discussions on parliamentary elections and the Erhard Busek Ambassador Talks.