On 19 March 2026, the Institute of Balkan Studies & Centre for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences presented the volume “Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans: Achievements and challenges in the present time” (ed. Alexandra Milanova, BAS Publishing House “Prof. Marin Drinov”, 2025) at the Aula of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The book is the outcome of the project “Cultural Diplomacy in the Balkans in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward”, funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science. The volume was presented by the prominent diplomat and public figure Stefan Tafrov, while the event was moderated by Irina Nedeva, journalist at the Bulgarian National Radio.

The event was attended by representatives of institutions involved in the development and implementation of cultural policies, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, academics, and students. Mr Yavor Koynakov, Acting Director of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered greetings on behalf of Ms Nadezhda Neynski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the project team and the contributors to the volume. Special guests included Ms Milena Dimitrova, Secretary to the President for Education, Science and Culture; Dr Plamena Zayachka, Adviser to the Minister of Tourism; Ms Maria Todorova-Simova, Director General of the Inspectorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture; Ms Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute; and Prof. Dr Reneta Bozhankova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Sofia University, among others.

The event served as a forum for bringing together experts and practitioners in the field of cultural diplomacy, foregrounding scholarly and interinstitutional dialogue on issues related to culture.