The State Institute for Culture Hosted a Meeting with Students from the Université Libre de Bruxelles
Sofia, September 25, 2026 – The State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, hosted a meeting with history students from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) who were visiting Bulgaria as part of a 10-day study trip across the Balkans. The visit was organized within the framework of the course "The Historian and the Social Demand," led by Mr. Jeremy Lambert, Director of International Relations at the Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR) in Brussels.
During the meeting, the students explored the topic "Cultural Diplomacy: Between National Narrative and Shared Heritage" in a lecture delivered by Yavor Koynakov, Acting Director of the State Institute for Culture.
The lecture highlighted the role of culture and cultural heritage in international relations, as well as the ways in which cultural policies and initiatives contribute to shaping national narratives and creating opportunities for dialogue and cultural exchange.
The presented initiatives included projects by the State Institute for Culture focused on cultural heritage and its contemporary interpretation and promotion. Special attention was paid to two thematic focal points: the history and heritage of the Jewish community in Bulgaria—highlighted through the "Jewish Street – a Reconstruction" project—and European Cultural Routes, with a specific focus on the Cyril and Methodius European Cultural Route.
The "Jewish Street" exhibition was presented as an example of a modern approach to cultural and historical heritage. The discussion centered on viewing the history of Bulgaria’s Jewish community within a broader context—as an integral part of the country’s urban, cultural, and social life, as well as within the framework of contemporary European values and cultural diversity.
The lecture also explored the potential of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes to link historical heritage with modern cultural exchange. The mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius was examined both in terms of its historical significance and its role in fostering cultural ties among European societies, and as an opportunity to develop modern forms of cultural cooperation and international partnership.
A key aspect of the meeting was the focus on contemporary approaches to engaging with memory and "difficult heritage," particularly through educational programs and initiatives aimed at young people.
The meeting facilitated direct interaction between students from ULB and Bulgarian institutions active in the fields of cultural diplomacy and cultural heritage, emphasizing the role of culture as a tool for international exchange, education, and the forging of new partnerships.