About Us – Institute of Danube Research (IDR)
Established on September 30, 2024, by the Decision of the Founding Assembly of the Public Organization "DANUBE RESEARCH INSTITUTE"
Date and registration number in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, Individual Entrepreneurs, and Public Associations:
October 14, 2024, 1009481020000002382
Legal entity identification code:
45554668
Location:
Ukraine, 65014, Odesa region, Odesa city, Yevreiska Street, building 9, apartment 3.
Director of the Institute of Danube Research – Vitalii Barvinenko, Doctor of Law, Chairman of the Odesa District Council, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament of the VI, VII, VIII convocations.
The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) began its implementation in June 2011. It aims to develop coordinated policies and actions within the river basin area, strengthening the commitments of the "Europe 2020" strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
The EU Danube Strategy is a unique alliance of countries connected, like a thread, by the Danube. It is especially important that we are united not only by the river and shared vision, but also by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the necessity of supporting the Ukrainian people.
Thus, there is a need for scientific research on the Danube region to contribute to a better understanding of the political, cultural, and economic forces within it and their significance for a peaceful and united Europe. However, much remains to be done before a truly united Europe becomes reality, as the peoples and countries of the Danube region have evolved under very different political and economic conditions.
Our area of responsibility will continue to expand, and the European Union itself has recognized the crucial importance of developing the Danube region for the peace and stability of Europe as a whole. This is particularly evident in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.
VISION
Regions are the future of Europe.
United by the Danube and beyond, the people of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe share a common cultural heritage and face similar regional and global challenges. Democracy, freedom, equality, the rule of law, human rights, and European values are realized through dialogue and discussion.
Preserving and developing this ethos, cooperation, and cross-border communication is the key to a democratic, peaceful, and stable Europe of the future.
MISSION
We are committed to three principles:
- Conservatism in cultural, religious, and social life
- Classical liberal tradition in the economy
- Realistic Atlanticism in national security policy
These ideals are our roadmap.
We are also committed to studying and expanding the related concepts of democracy and patriotism. We believe that the nation-state is the only reliable foundation for democracy, and that tolerant civic nationalism is the only basis for a successful democratic internationalism.
The Institute of Danube Research offers a wide range of academic and practical expertise both from the Ukrainian Danube region and beyond.
Our experts provide a platform of deep knowledge and offer various expert perspectives on today’s challenges, creating sustainable cross-border cooperation and promoting free and open discussion of emerging issues.
The Institute operates as a multilateral hub for a democratic and sustainable Europe.
The Institute of Danube Research is a collaboration between the Danube regions of different states.
Scientific research is a priority component of the conventions defined in the UNESCO MAB Programme as one of the core functions of biosphere reserves. The Institute's research activities are also aimed at achieving the goals of managing the largest nature conservation area in Ukraine.
Our methods include research, analysis, publications, debates, and scientific exchanges.
Our primary audience is the global community of center-right intellectuals, political leaders, and civic organizations.
We also plan to involve our colleagues from the democratic left- and right-center political spectrum in energetic and principled public debates. We hope to engage the brightest minds of our time in national and international forums.
What the Institute of Danube Research will do:
- Assist in finding potential partners for your project in your country or another region.
- Assist in preparing the project application form (e.g., choosing program priorities/type of activity/intervention logic, providing feedback on the application form).
- Create and support research groups and projects for interpreting and promoting progressive thinking.
- Encourage exchange among scholars, political leaders, and cultural figures through international conferences and fellowships.
- Engage youth interested in research, fellowships, and political ideas, and help them participate in and influence broader public discourse;
- Promote relevant discussions on key issues for Ukraine both nationally and internationally.
The Institute of Danube Research addresses topics that arise from cooperation with Danube partners, especially in specialized fields that are particularly relevant to the region.
Our priorities:
- Humanities and social sciences
- Democracy and law
- Environment, energy, and mobility
- Infrastructure and logistics
- Medicine and public health
- Culture and media