The International Democratic Initiative Foundation D66 (IDI) is an important pillar in the work of D66 across borders. In 1989, IVSOM, the Central and Eastern Europe Foundation of Democrats 66 (D66), was founded to support democratisation and economic transition in Central and Eastern Europe. In October 1997 IVSOM was renamed International Democratic Initiative Foundation D66 (IDI).

With this renaming, the organisation's field of operation expanded to include countries outside Central and Eastern Europe. Nowadays IDI is mainly active in Eastern Europe, the Balkan, the Middle East and Northern Africa. Furthermore IDI maintains and develops relationships with like-minded political organisations in almost every country in the world. IDI co-operates with democratic parties and organisations that respect human rights and the right of ethnic minorities.

Democratic movements and progressive or social liberal political parties are natural partners for IDI. The relationships are mutually beneficial. On the one hand, IDI offers practical knowledge for political partners in the project countries. On the other hand, D66 benefits by gaining new ideas and experiences concerning democratisation and international cooperation. Projects of IDI are financially supported by the Matra Political Party Programme of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Contact person: Maartje Jansen, m.jansen@d66.nl