On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Institute for Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), we are looking back at the eventful history of this region, the river and its people. This special occasion calls for special awards! What’s in for you?

"My Danube Story"

Imagine we are in the Europe of 1953, the founding year of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM). Scarred by the Second World War, the continent finds itself at the brink of the Cold War between East and West. Over the past 70 years, the Danube Region has seen the rise and fall of fences and walls and the shaping of new borders. Meanwhile, the Danube continued to flow unimpressed.

On the occasion of the IDM’s 70th anniversary, we are looking back at the eventful history of this region, the river and its people. And we would love to hear your personal story! Share your personal experiences of how the fluctuations of history in the Danube Region have touched your life. Which stories have left an ineradicable mark on you, your family, and your surroundings? What are the stories we should remember? What lessons can we learn from the past? And where exactly does the future begin?

Tell us Your Danube Story by 1 October 2023. (Wir akzeptieren auch Einsendungen auf Deutsch!)

You have to upload the story here yourself by 1 October 2023: https://www.story.one/en/challenge/my-danube-story/ (First you have to create your own account at story.one.)

The best stories selected by the IDM team will be published in a book and presented at the anniversary celebration on 5 December 2023 at Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. All selected authors will receive a copy of the book.

The three stories with the most likes until the end of the challenge will be invited to attend the anniversary celebration and the IDM will cover up to 300.00 Euro for travel and accommodation per person.

The story with the most views until the end of the challenge will receive a free IDM membership for one year.