Zinaida Zlatanova, Head of the Representation of European Commission in Bulgaria, in an interview with Radio Focus.


Focus: We will talk with Zinaida Zlatanova, Head of the Representation of European Commission in Bulgaria, about books and literature. The reason behind this conversation is the Literature Night, which will be organised by the Czech Centre in Sofia under the aegis of EUNIK and with the support of the European Commission. Ms Zlatanova, what kind of a night should we expect in Sofia?
Zinaida Zlatanova: This is a very good event, as a part of the efforts for improving cultural exchange and mutual acquaintance with the different cultures in Europe. This year it is organised by the Czech Centre in Sofia, following the examples of many European cities. For the first time in Bulgaria we will have literature readings and a virtual meeting with remarkable European writers. The initiative is organised under the aegis of EUNIK Bulgaria with the support of the Representation of European Commission in Bulgaria. It might be a less known fact that the Representation of European Commission in Bulgaria, apart from providing general knowledge and information about the EU, aims at popularising multilingualism. Literature, translations, and translators are some of the best means for popularising multilingualism and encouraging Bulgarians to study more foreign languages. This even is really important to us, and we entered it with delight. Literature Night will take place on May 15.

Focus: When will is start, and when will it end?
Zinaida Zlatanova: Famous Bulgarians will read parts of works of foreign authors, translated in Bulgaria, for 30-minute intervals, and this will happen in the Polish, French, Hungarian, and Czech centres and in the Alma Mater theatre in Sofia. There is a special map with the locations of these “nests”, which can be found in the French and Czech cultural institutes and every listener will be able to collect stamps from all nests, and at 21:30 on May 15 a raffle in the Czech cultural centre will determine the winners of the prizes – copies of the books that have been read during the event. The event starts at 18:00 and ends at 21:00, as the raffle will take place at 21:30.

Focus: So the residents and visitors of Sofia will be able to have a splendid literature walk in the city. This is the first time Sofia is included in this event, what does this mean for our capital?
Zinaida Zlatanova: This is a wonderful initiative, with which Sofia becomes a part of the many other capitals and cities throughout Europe, in the EU, which join this Literature Evening or Literature Night, which means that we become more real Europeans.

Focus: Yes, more than 20 cities around Europe have joined this event, right?
Zinaida Zlatanova: Yes, and these cities include the likes of London and Prague, which are European capitals and cities with traditions – historical and global cities, which participate in Literature Night. The representatives of the European Commission in all capitals, which take part in this event, play an active part in its organisation. This is because, as I mentioned, the European Commission is encouraging multilingualism and cultural diversity, as two very important policies.