Institute for Modern Development

Are you up for a podcast? 🤗

Check out our YouTube channel, where you may find plenty of videos regarding the project My Hero Your Enemy: Way Forward in the CEE SEE Region.

The first episode we're sharing here is called "Why Bulgarians Don't Love Us".

This podcast episode of My Hero Your Enemy delves into the complex and multifaceted relationships between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, focusing on the historical perceptions, stereotypes, and emotional undercurrents that shape the discourse between these two nations.

The discussion features prominent guests Marinela Velichkova, Marjan Nikolovski, Rosi Angelova, Dusica Mrgja, and the moderator, Stole Naumov.

They explore the idea that heroes can be perceived as traitors depending on one’s perspective. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and addressing the emotions that fuel the tensions and stereotypes between Bulgarians and Macedonians. The guests articulate that while the political rhetoric often portrays Bulgaria as an adversary to Macedonian aspirations, the reality is more nuanced, with many in Bulgaria expressing support for Macedonia’s EU ambitions. They stress the importance of moving beyond negative perceptions and fostering constructive dialogue to create a more collaborative relationship that benefits both nations.

We owe the success of these episodes to our incredible partners. A special mention goes to the International Visegrad Fund for generously supporting the entire project.

"Why Bulgarians Don't Love Us" Moderator: Stole NaumovGuests: Marinela Velichkova, Marjan Nikolovski, Dusica Mrdja, Rosi Angelova

On June 19th, 2024, the beautiful Tuscany Palace in Hradčany, Prague, hosted the conference My Hero, Your Enemy: Lessons Learned from Historical and Political Disputes in the V4 and SEE Region. This event was a continuation of the earlier conference Understanding Matters: The SEE Region as a Battlefield of Narratives, which took place in Ohrid, North Macedonia. 🇲🇰🇨🇿

The Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Marian, warmly welcomed the attendees, after which the conference began. The program was divided into four key sections:

1st)
Panel discussion: Building a Dialogue in the SEE Region - A Case Study of Kosovo and Serbia

2nd)
Panel discussion: Building a Dialogue in the SEE Region - A Case Study of North Macedonia and Bulgaria

3rd)
Talking My Hero Your Enemy: Are We Ready for Dialogue?

4th)
Conclusion: The Future of Dialogue – Education, Media, Politics

This event would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our partners, with special thanks to the International Visegrad Fund, whose backing made the entire conference possible. 🥰
Special thank also to our partners: Villa Decius Institute for Culture (PL), Slovak Debate Association (SK), Foundation for Humanities and Social Studies - Sofia (BG), NGO Aktiv (RKS), Institute of European Studies (SRB), Eurothink (NMK), Institute of Political History (HU).

The conference was held under the patronage of the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavský.

Below are some snaps from the event.