/r/AskBalkans
Questions about the Balkan states answered!
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/r/AskBalkans
https://reddit.com/link/1igps5g/video/wdidzxgxkxge1/player
What were they doing in Congo? Participating in a foreign conflict. Wagner of Romania
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How they deserved this condemnation? Stagnation: 150 Years of Balkan Development.
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.
Anything that you think could be better
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?
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.
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.
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.
Debt forgiveness without responsibility risks moral hazard. The FSP ensures that individuals learn to manage finances responsibly, fostering long-term economic stability.
Rewarding those who lived within their means ensures that the system remains equitable and does not penalize responsible citizens.
Response: This model requires accountability through the FSP, ensuring responsible financial behavior.
Response: While luxury sectors may initially suffer, the long-term economic benefits of a liberated and financially secure population will outweigh temporary disruptions.
Response: The FSP is time-limited and transparent, with clear rules and safeguards to protect individual dignity.
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.
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.
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?
Here it's cutomary to bring oranges when visiting someone in the hospital
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
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.
Anything that strucks your mind
EU tax payers are all of them.
What is the precise term for this syndrome?
Thanks to u/CondensedHappiness
Victim Complex
A picture of an Serbian student supporting protests in Greece after being forced to sleep outside in the cold. 🇷🇸 ❤️ 🇬🇷
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?
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:
Can someone comment where would you put these 3 regions: either Visegrad-tier or Balkan-tier
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!
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
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?
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.