/r/AskBalkans

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Questions about the Balkan states answered!

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4

Potra's mercenaries the head chief of security for Georgescu in Romania the pro Putin guy got humiliated

https://reddit.com/link/1igps5g/video/wdidzxgxkxge1/player

What were they doing in Congo? Participating in a foreign conflict. Wagner of Romania

0 Comments
2025/02/03
14:04 UTC

0

Because the Bulgarian Church and people were condemned 1872-1956, and Russians in Bulgaria had no right to enter Bulgarian religious buildings, Russia built a separate Russian church surrounded by a fence. Balkan exclusions.

.

3 Comments
2025/02/03
13:49 UTC

7

[NQM] A very archaic and divergent Bulgarian dialect from Kardzhali province

1 Comment
2025/02/03
12:17 UTC

64

Will Romanian authorities suspend Romanian elections again when Georgescu wins?

261 Comments
2025/02/03
09:46 UTC

4

Recently, I learned that the Bulgarian Patriarchate was officially condemned as schismatic by the Council in Constantinople in September 1872. For 73 years, it had no contact with other Orthodox churches. 😳 The condemnation was overturned in 1945!? Typical Balkans, isn’t it?

How they deserved this condemnation? Stagnation: 150 Years of Balkan Development.

26 Comments
2025/02/03
08:25 UTC

0

What's your opinion on migration to Europe from Muslim-majority countries (in the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, North Africa etc)? Do these think these demographic changes will be beneficial for the continent?

While Islam is on the decline in Albania (where it's mostly very secular/ liberal anyway), the religion is growing in Europe as a whole (particularly Western Europe) due to immigration. According to demographic forecasts, Muslims are set to be a substantial minority of the overall European population in the coming decades.

Some people say it'll make no difference cultural or politically (the people will just integrate), whereas other highlight the positives (the food, the influx of a young economically-active population). Then, there's people who think it'll have a drastic impact on European culture and politics.

7 Comments
2025/02/02
10:42 UTC

6

Is it true, do Serbs and Slovenians get along well ? Despite 1991 skirmishes with just a 20-30 dead?

15 Comments
2025/02/02
16:57 UTC

41

Why did Stalin make the Hungarians return Northern Transylvania, which Hitler forced Romania to cede under Nazi arbitration, but allow Bulgaria to keep Southern Dobruja which Romania lost under identical circumstances?

85 Comments
2025/02/03
03:13 UTC

7

What’s one thing that you wish was better in your country?

Anything that you think could be better

23 Comments
2025/02/03
02:43 UTC

6

Contemporary Balkan Music?

I love Balkan music, especially contemporary bands that blend different genres! I’ve noticed that a lot of this kind of fusion music is actually created outside the Balkans—Germany, Israel, the U.S., etc.—which I find really interesting. Do you have any recommendations for bands or artists I should check out?

3 Comments
2025/02/03
01:42 UTC

3

Manifesto for Economic Justice and Debt Liberation (works for every country not just USA), what do you think?

Manifesto for Economic Justice and Debt Liberation

Introduction: Breaking Free from Financial Bondage

Today, millions of Americans are shackled by unsustainable levels of personal debt—from crushing student loans to spiraling medical bills and high-interest credit card payments. This debt crisis undermines not only individual dignity but also the long-term stability of our economy. Incremental reforms have failed. It is time for a bold and radical solution: a structured Debt Reset Model that liberates individuals from financial servitude while instilling responsible financial habits.

The Core Vision: Debt Liberation with Accountability

This manifesto calls for a full cancellation of personal debts (including medical, student loans, and consumer credit) accompanied by a temporary financial responsibility period for those whose debts are forgiven. This approach balances justice with accountability, ensuring that the system remains fair and sustainable.

Key Principles:

  1. Total Debt Forgiveness:
  2. Immediate cancellation of all qualifying personal debts.Mortgage debts can be restructured into equitable, interest-free payment plans.
  3. Financial Responsibility Period:
  4. Individuals whose debts are forgiven will enter a Financial Surveillance Period (FSP) equivalent to the original repayment timeline of their debts.During the FSP, spending beyond one’s salary is restricted except for verified emergencies (e.g., medical procedures).
  5. Rewarding Responsible Citizens:
  6. Individuals who have maintained a debt-free lifestyle receive tax benefits or other financial incentives (e.g., reduced interest rates on future loans).
  7. Economic Justice for All:
  8. Luxury sectors that thrive on debt-driven consumption will face temporary taxation to stabilize the economy.
  9. Emergency Exemption System:
  10. Clear guidelines for emergency expenditures during the FSP to maintain dignity and security.

Why This Model Works

Addressing the Root Problem

Our economy thrives on a debt cycle that benefits financial institutions at the expense of individuals. By eliminating this cycle, we free people to participate meaningfully in the economy without being burdened by compounding interest.

Balancing Liberation and Accountability

Debt forgiveness without responsibility risks moral hazard. The FSP ensures that individuals learn to manage finances responsibly, fostering long-term economic stability.

Restoring Fairness

Rewarding those who lived within their means ensures that the system remains equitable and does not penalize responsible citizens.

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Pilot Program (Local Communities)

  • Partner with progressive state governments or local municipalities.
  • Implement debt forgiveness for a targeted group (e.g., medical debt relief in one city).
  • Monitor economic, social, and mental health outcomes.

Phase 2: Gradual National Expansion

  • Scale the program to include student loans and credit card debt.
  • Introduce financial education programs during the FSP.

Phase 3: Full National Adoption

  • Establish a transparent digital platform to manage the FSP and emergency exemptions.
  • Institutionalize tax benefits for debt-free individuals.

Addressing Potential Objections

Objection 1: “This is just a handout.”

Response: This model requires accountability through the FSP, ensuring responsible financial behavior.

Objection 2: “It will hurt the economy.”

Response: While luxury sectors may initially suffer, the long-term economic benefits of a liberated and financially secure population will outweigh temporary disruptions.

Objection 3: “Financial surveillance violates privacy.”

Response: The FSP is time-limited and transparent, with clear rules and safeguards to protect individual dignity.

Conclusion: A Fairer, Stronger Economy

This manifesto envisions a future where Americans are free from the shackles of debt, empowered to build meaningful lives without fear of financial ruin. By balancing liberation with accountability, we can create a society that values responsibility, dignity, and economic justice.

It is time to be bold. It is time to reset.

Call to Action:

Join us in advocating for this transformative model. Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone—not just the financial elite.Manifesto for Economic Justice and Debt LiberationIntroduction: Breaking Free from Financial BondageToday, millions of Americans are shackled by unsustainable levels of personal debt—from crushing student loans to spiraling medical bills and high-interest credit card payments. This debt crisis undermines not only individual dignity but also the long-term stability of our economy. Incremental reforms have failed. It is time for a bold and radical solution: a structured Debt Reset Model that liberates individuals from financial servitude while instilling responsible financial habits.The Core Vision: Debt Liberation with AccountabilityThis manifesto calls for a full cancellation of personal debts (including medical, student loans, and consumer credit) accompanied by a temporary financial responsibility period for those whose debts are forgiven. This approach balances justice with accountability, ensuring that the system remains fair and sustainable.Key Principles:Total Debt Forgiveness:

Immediate cancellation of all qualifying personal debts.

Mortgage debts can be restructured into equitable, interest-free payment plans.

Financial Responsibility Period:

Individuals whose debts are forgiven will enter a Financial Surveillance Period (FSP) equivalent to the original repayment timeline of their debts.

During the FSP, spending beyond one’s salary is restricted except for verified emergencies (e.g., medical procedures).

Rewarding Responsible Citizens:

Individuals who have maintained a debt-free lifestyle receive tax benefits or other financial incentives (e.g., reduced interest rates on future loans).

Economic Justice for All:

Luxury sectors that thrive on debt-driven consumption will face temporary taxation to stabilize the economy.

Emergency Exemption System:

Clear guidelines for emergency expenditures during the FSP to maintain dignity and security.Why This Model WorksAddressing the Root ProblemOur economy thrives on a debt cycle that benefits financial institutions at the expense of individuals. By eliminating this cycle, we free people to participate meaningfully in the economy without being burdened by compounding interest.Balancing Liberation and AccountabilityDebt forgiveness without responsibility risks moral hazard. The FSP ensures that individuals learn to manage finances responsibly, fostering long-term economic stability.Restoring FairnessRewarding those who lived within their means ensures that the system remains equitable and does not penalize responsible citizens.Implementation RoadmapPhase 1: Pilot Program (Local Communities)Partner with progressive state governments or local municipalities.

Implement debt forgiveness for a targeted group (e.g., medical debt relief in one city).

Monitor economic, social, and mental health outcomes.Phase 2: Gradual National ExpansionScale the program to include student loans and credit card debt.

Introduce financial education programs during the FSP.Phase 3: Full National AdoptionEstablish a transparent digital platform to manage the FSP and emergency exemptions.

Institutionalize tax benefits for debt-free individuals.Addressing Potential ObjectionsObjection 1: “This is just a handout.”Response: This model requires accountability through the FSP, ensuring responsible financial behavior.Objection 2: “It will hurt the economy.”Response: While luxury sectors may initially suffer, the long-term economic benefits of a liberated and financially secure population will outweigh temporary disruptions.Objection 3: “Financial surveillance violates privacy.”Response: The FSP is time-limited and transparent, with clear rules and safeguards to protect individual dignity.Conclusion: A Fairer, Stronger EconomyThis manifesto envisions a future where Americans are free from the shackles of debt, empowered to build meaningful lives without fear of financial ruin. By balancing liberation with accountability, we can create a society that values responsibility, dignity, and economic justice.It is time to be bold. It is time to reset.Call to Action:Join us in advocating for this transformative model. Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone—not just the financial elite.

0 Comments
2025/02/03
00:38 UTC

0

Why is support for hungarian claims in transylvania so popular (at least online)?

I've often seen Hungarian irredentist posts online on Instagram for instance, and in the comments, it always seems like Hungarian claims are taken very seriously and are supported by most people. Is that the case irl too, or is it just the bubble of the internet? Why do the Hungarians so much support?

31 Comments
2025/02/02
15:21 UTC

3

What is a typical gift when visiting someone in the hospital in your country ?

Here it's cutomary to bring oranges when visiting someone in the hospital

6 Comments
2025/02/02
14:42 UTC

5

Americans in Vlore 2 months

We are Americans that are going to be living in Vlore for 2 months are there any other Americans in the area or English speaking people

4 Comments
2025/02/02
11:38 UTC

78

How would you fix population decline problems in your country if you were the head of state?

131 Comments
2025/02/02
10:49 UTC

19

Do all Balkans consider Romania part of the bloc/region?

I'm not European. Are Romanian language/culture and location universally accepted as Balkan?

Romanian is linguistically a Romance language with French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romansh. And historically, correct me if I'm wrong, Romania was influenced more by Eastern Europe.

60 Comments
2025/02/02
10:32 UTC

20

What is one stereotype in your country that is simply not true?

Anything that strucks your mind

85 Comments
2025/02/02
10:25 UTC

100

90s vibe

6 Comments
2025/02/02
10:20 UTC

0

Among highly educated migrants from North Macedonia, a daily topic—an obsession, in fact—is the injustice they believe Europe is committing against Macedonians by delaying the start of EU membership negotiations. Do you feel empathy?

EU tax payers are all of them.
What is the precise term for this syndrome?

Thanks to u/CondensedHappiness
Victim Complex

19 Comments
2025/02/02
08:23 UTC

570

I can't post this in r/Greece, so I'll have to do it here ❤️

A picture of an Serbian student supporting protests in Greece after being forced to sleep outside in the cold. 🇷🇸 ❤️ 🇬🇷

101 Comments
2025/02/02
07:36 UTC

2

Brother in need for series

Hi there, wanted to ask, if there is a chance to watch serbian series online, not via the usual streaming services like Netflix or so. Im trying to see South Wind, but cannot find it at all, anyone help here?

1 Comment
2025/02/01
23:55 UTC

0

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear of Yugoslavia?

19 Comments
2025/02/01
22:35 UTC

0

Which parts of Croatia are Balkan-tier and which ones are Visegrad-tier?

Okay, this is legit question.

So, I'm trying to compile a "Visegrad+" list of countries that would fit well with Visegrad countries more or less.

So far: Poland, Lithuania, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia... now with Croatia here is where I'm somewhat not so confident.

If Croatia would only be Croatia proper - then yeah, I think it would fit the bill.

But I am not so sure about the other 3 regions:

  • Dalmatia
  • Slavonia
  • Istria

Can someone comment where would you put these 3 regions: either Visegrad-tier or Balkan-tier

13 Comments
2025/02/01
21:19 UTC

4

ATM fees for foreign credit cards

ATM fees for foreign money credit cards

Hello!

I know, that in the last 10 years a lot of banks introduced extra fees for transactions with foreign credit cards. BUT i do remember that, at least end of 2023 there were a few banks that didn't. maybe we can try to make a list of banks that still don't have any own fees?

btw, i don't mean the "conversion service" that most ATM's offer and that you can accept or decline (and you should always decline!)

2023:

Albania - Credins Bank

BiH - Ziraat Bank (?)

Croatia - Kent Bank (last bank without extra fees, not many atm's though)

Montenegro - Erste Bank

Serbia - Halkbank

North Macedonia - Halkbank

some more?

Thank you for your help!

0 Comments
2025/02/01
20:07 UTC

14

What is the reason Bulgarian and Macedonian surnames have different suffixes?

So most Bulgarian surnames tend to have a ov ,ev (if male ) ,oval,eva (if female ) suffixes similar to Russian surnames ,while many Macedonians have ski suffixes in their surname similar to Poles. What is the reason of this formation in both these cultures

88 Comments
2025/02/01
17:47 UTC

2

Could be that the reason Albanian caps look similar to the ancient Phrygian caps be due to Bryges (Which are considered to be related to Phrygian) that settled in the Balkans and cities such as Durres?

No this is not to be post that says Ancient Phrygians are Albanians are that Albanians are Phrygians or anything like that, but I'm actually thinking if that's the reason as to why the caps look so similar and if so is there anything that backs it up?

16 Comments
2025/02/01
17:14 UTC

22

Old Bulgarian and old Croatian language. How do they sound to you?

Old Bulgarian language (9-10th century)https://youtu.be/o5VfAaZmnOY?si=IzbRyI9f6VHGH-Wm

Old Croatian language (11-12th century) https://youtu.be/RYcDkt5Fhss?si=OaKILVPojmhpBCd9

I have hard time find voice of medival Serbian, so It would be cool someone to share in comments.

32 Comments
2025/02/01
13:54 UTC

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