2024-1 EU Society 4th Session (May 7, 2024) > EU Society at KUGSIS

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The EU Society at Korea University held its fifth session of Spring 2024 on May 7, beginning with a warm greeting and expressions of gratitude from the leadership to all attendees. The session featured a presentation by Nefeli Rizou titled "What happened to Macedonia? Understanding the history of Ancient Greece and the Balkans." Nefeli provided an in-depth exploration of Macedonia's geographical position and the distribution of Macedonians across different regions, addressing what it means to be Macedonian. She delved into the Macedonia naming dispute between Greece and North Macedonia, the origins of Macedonian nationalism, and the historical struggles among Serbians, Bulgarians, and Greeks over Macedonia's ownership. Nefeli also examined Greek and Bulgarian perspectives, including criticisms and concerns about the appropriation of Greek symbols, concluding with the ongoing relevance of the dispute in 2024, especially regarding North Macedonia's EU aspirations and internal political dynamics. 

The subsequent discussion was sparked by the question, "What do you think is Macedonia?" Participants engaged deeply with the historical significance of figures like Alexander the Great and his empire, as well as the impact of the Ottoman Empire on the administrative division of the Balkans. The discussion revealed a genuine interest among members in exploring this often overlooked topic, emphasizing its continued relevance in contemporary discourse despite being less commonly discussed. The historical intricacies and the geopolitical implications of the Macedonia dispute prompted thoughtful reflections and lively exchanges among the attendees.

The session concluded with an enthusiastic invitation for all members to join the upcoming Eurovision night, set to coincide with the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11. This event promised to be a fun and engaging way for members to continue building their camaraderie and enjoy a significant cultural event together, reinforcing the sense of community within the EU Society.