The Institute
The Deutsch-Französisches Institut Ludwigsburg (dfi) is an independent non-profit organisation devoted to research on and documentation of contemporary France and the advancement of Franco-German relations within the European context. As a platform for dialogue between the two countries, the institute has been guiding and shaping Franco-German cooperation in the fields of politics, economics and society for over sixty years.
History
The Institute was established in 1948, just three years after the end of the Second World War and long before post-war reconciliation was institutionalised in the Elysée Treaty of 1963, which laid the foundations for intergovernmental cooperation and dialogue between the two countries. Founder members included Theodor Heuss (later the first president of the Federal Republic of Germany), Carlo Schmid, Fritz Schenk and, on the French side, Joseph Rovan and Alfred Grosser. Since 1990, the Institute is also home to a special library and documentation centre, the Frankreich-Bibliothek.
Activities
The dfi combines applied research with active promotion of the exchange of information and experience between France and Germany, thus laying the foundation for open dialogue and constructive cooperation between the two countries within the European context. Thanks to its extensive documentation and archiving of relevant material on France and Franco-German relations, the dfi is able to provide rigourous analyses and the relevant background information to support the work of those involved in politics, media, business, administration and associations. The comparative nature of our research also allows us to meet the demand for information and expertise arising from the increased French interest in Germany.
Funding
The institute is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the regional government of Baden-Württemberg and the town of Ludwigsburg. In addition, projects are also financed by prestigious foundations, such as Robert Bosch, the Asko Europa-Stiftung, Entente Franco-Allemande and Wüstenrot. The Institute's activities are also supported by numerous firms and partner organisations. The dfi is a registered association.