Insomniac Design’s Post

Yesterday was Estonia's national day. (Also 2 deminstrations yesterday in Lyon. that's why I'm posting only today 😅) HAPPY NATIONAL DAY ESTONIA! 🇪🇪🇪🇺🎉 Estonians were ruled by foreign powers for a long time: Germans in the 13th century, Danes, Swedes and Russians. On 24 February 1918 Estonia issued a Declaration of Independence from the new Soviet Russia. But at the end of 1918 Russians invaded Estonia. The Estonian War of Independence began. In 1920 Russia and Estonia sign the Tartu Peace Treaty stating the independence and sovereignty of the State of Estonia. In 1940 Estonia was annexed by the Soviet Union, establishing a regime of oppression, including mass deportation to Siberia in 1941 and young Estonian men forcibly drafted into the Red Army. Germany invaded the country in 1941. Numerous forced labour camps were created. The Red Army came back early 1944 for more than 40 years. In 1991 Estonia became independent after the peaceful "Singing Revolution". ESTONIA 🇪🇪 🇪🇺 The northernmost of the three Baltic states, includes some 1,500 islands. 1.3 million people Capital Tallinn Official EU language Estonian Current president Alar Karis, independent Current Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, center-right Estonia in the EU 🇪🇪 🇪🇺 EU member country since 2004 Schengen area member since 2007 Euro area member since 2011 7 members in the European Parliament The Commissioner nominated by Estonia to the European Commission is Kadri Simson, responsible for Energy. SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA 🇪🇪 🇪🇺 More than half of the country is covered by forests. Estonia has over 2000 islands, with history or untouched. Estonia is said to have the largest collection of national folk songs in the world, over 133,000. While Estonia has a great range of historical churches, only a quarter of the population are affiliated with a religion. Lutheranism and Eastern Orthodox remain the most prevalent faiths. Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced societies in the world. 99% of governmental services are online. #walkforeurope #europeanunion #EU #Estonia #Estonian #European #Estonianationalday #unitedindiversity #singingrevolution #Europeancitizens #allactivists #balticstates

#montenegro #travel #quotes #facts #famous 110/195 TOUR MY WORLD MONTENEGRO / YUGOSLAVIA The use of the name Crna Gora or Black Mountain (Montenegro) began in the 13th century in reference to a highland region in the Serbian province of Zeta. The later medieval state of Zeta maintained its existence until 1496 when Montenegro finally fell under Ottoman rule. Over subsequent centuries, Montenegro managed to maintain a level of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro was a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it transformed into a secular principality. Montenegro was recognized as an independent sovereign principality at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. After World War I, during which Montenegro fought on the side of the Allies, the country was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. At the conclusion of World War II, Montenegro became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro joined with Serbia, creating the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, shifting to a looser State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the two-state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia barely cleared the 55% threshold set by the EU, but it allowed Montenegro to formally restore its independence on 3 June 2006. In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO, and it is currently completing its EU accession process, having officially applied to join the EU in 2008.cia worldfactbook Findings of Amer

🇧🇬Today, we proudly celebrate Unification Day – a momentous day in Bulgarian history! On this day in 1885, Bulgaria took a bold step toward independence by uniting Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria. This pivotal event stands as a testament to our nation's resilience and desire for freedom. Let's honor the legacy of those who fought for our unity and reflect on the strength of our national spirit. #UnificationDay #Bulgaria #ProudBulgarian #BORteamtogether 💡Facts for Unification Day: 👉🏼Date of Unification: On September 6, 1885, Eastern Rumelia and the Principality of Bulgaria were united. Key Figures: Bulgarian revolutionary Zahari Stoyanov and the Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee played key roles in organizing the unification. 👉🏼Peaceful Unification: The unification was achieved without bloodshed, but it led to the Serbo-Bulgarian War later in 1885. International Response: While the Ottoman Empire initially opposed the unification, European powers eventually recognized it through diplomatic negotiations. 👉🏼Significance: The unification marked a crucial step in Bulgaria’s path towards full independence, which was officially declared in 1908.

#serbia #travel #proverbs #facts #famous #airserbia 144/195 TOUR MY WORLD - SERBIA In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. The monarchy remained in power until 1945, when the communist Partisans headed by Josip Broz (aka TITO) took control of the newly created Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). After TITO died in 1980, communism in Yugoslavia gradually gave way to resurgent nationalism. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia, and his calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in 1992, and MILOSEVIC led military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed, and international intervention led to the signing of the Dayton Accords in 1995. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo resulted in a brutal Serbian counterinsurgency campaign. Serbia rejected a proposed international settlement, and NATO responded with a bombing campaign that forced Serbian forces to withdraw from Kosovo in June 1999. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. In 2006, Montenegro seceded and declared itself an independent nation.  In 2008, Kosovo also declared independence -- an action Serbia still refuses to recognize. In 2013, Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries. Additional agreements were reached in 2015 and 2023, but implementation remains incomplete. Serbia has been an official candidate for EU membership since 2012, and President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted the ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025. cia world factbook Findings of Amer

🇮🇳 Honoring the Bond of Friendship on Republic Day! 🇫🇷 Exciting news as we gear up to celebrate the Republic Day of our incredible nation with a special guest of honor – President Emmanuel Macron of France! 🎉 This underscores the deep and enduring ties between India and France, not just as strategic partners but as friends bound by shared values and aspirations.🤝 There are many reasons behind this. But, the most crucial one is importance of France in United Nations Security Council(UNSC) 🇺🇳 There are five permanent members of UNSC: China🇨🇳, US🇺🇲 UK🇬🇧, France🇫🇷, Russia🇷🇺. The only block in India's seat as a permanent member is China as it uses its Veto power to carry on its edge than India. US always does what is beneficial to it. UK stays at the back of US. Russia supports us but needs alteration in INDIA-US ties. The only supporter of India from Jacques Chirac(1976 &1998) to Emmanuel Macron today is France. India always look France as the only strong string on India's side.🤩 This step of inviting Mr. Macron as the chief guest is really commendable👏 This marks a strong bond between PM Modi and Prez Macron. The relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron is characterized as positive and cooperative. Both have a mutual respect for each other.👬 As we celebrate Republic Day with fervor and pride, let's also reflect on the shared values that bind us with our international partners. Here's to a future filled with strengthened diplomatic ties, collaborative ventures, and a world where nations come together for the greater good. 🌐🤝 #RepublicDay #IndiaFranceFriendship #UNSCReforms #GlobalPartnership

These are the names and faces of the statesmen of the Great Powers in Europe, who did not support "AT ALL" the 🇦🇱 Albanian Nation at the Congress of Berlin, Germany, held from June 13 until July 13, 1878: 🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM ~ Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield, Prime Minister. 🇦🇹🇧🇬 AUSTRIA-HUNGARY ~ Gyula, Count Andrássy, Foreign Minister. 🇫🇷 FRANCE ~ William Henry Waddington, the Comte de Saint-Vallier, ambassador to Berlin and Minister of Foreign Affairs. 🇷🇺 RUSSIA ~ Alexander, Prince Gorchakov, Chancellor and Foreign Minister. 🇮🇹 ITALY ~ Edoardo de Launay, ambassador to Berlin. Headed by:  🇩🇪 GERMANY & PRUSSIA ~ Otto von Bismarck, Minister President of Prussia and Chancellor of Germany, who even denied the existence of the Albanian Nation altogether. The wrong decisions of this Congress lead to the First Balkan War (October 1912 - May 1913), Second Balkan War (June - August 1913), First World War (July 1914 - November 1918), and the Second World War (September 1939 - September 1945)... and continued to be the cause for the wars in Southeast Europe (wars in Yugoslavia) during the 1990s and is to be blamed even for the current war in Ukraine as well. Yet, we are still refusing to learn from the past mistakes, although history is such a great teacher. "One stupid mistake of that time is still now leading us to so many bad things." #congressofberlin1878 #albaniannation #albanianlanguage #albanianlands #albanianhistory

Delighted to witness a poignant moment in diplomatic history as Prime Minister Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations. The symbolism behind the gift—a replica of the majestic Shri Ram Mandir—is a testament to the profound cultural and spiritual ethos that defines India. The Shri Ram Mandir holds immense significance for millions of Indians, representing not just a place of worship but a repository of cultural heritage and historical continuity. Prime Minister Modi's gesture of presenting this replica to President Macron is a powerful demonstration of India's commitment to fostering global understanding through the lens of its rich traditions. In a world where cultural diplomacy plays an increasingly crucial role, this exchange goes beyond the realms of politics. It transcends borders and language, emphasizing the universal values of peace, harmony, and coexistence. The Shri Ram Mandir, with its timeless architecture and spiritual resonance, becomes a bridge connecting diverse civilizations. As India and France come together in celebration of Republic Day, the presentation of the Shri Ram Mandir replica signifies a shared appreciation for cultural diversity and mutual respect. It echoes the sentiment that, despite geographical distances, nations can find common ground through understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage. This thoughtful exchange enriches the diplomatic dialogue between India and France, creating a foundation for deeper connections and collaborations. It is a testament to the idea that cultural exchange can be a powerful catalyst for building enduring partnerships. 🤝🌐 #IndiaFranceRelations #RepublicDay2024 #CulturalDiplomacy #ShriRamMandir

Balkanization (Britannica), division of a multinational state into smaller ethnically homogeneous entities. -The term also is used to refer to ethnic conflict within multiethnic states. -It was coined at the end of World War I to describe the ethnic & political fragmentation that followed the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the Balkans. -(The term Balkanization is today invoked to explain the disintegration of some multiethnic states & their devolution into dictatorship, ethnic cleansing, & civil war.) -Balkanization (Britannica) has occurred in places other than the Balkans, including Africa in the 1950s & ’60s, following the dissolution of the British and French colonial empires there. -In the early 1990s the disintegration of Yugoslavia & the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of several new states—many of which were unstable & ethnically mixed—& then to violence between them. SOURCE: Pringle, R. W. (2023, December 1). Balkanization. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://lnkd.in/dBBmHq4H https://lnkd.in/dBBmHq4H https://lnkd.in/dBBmHq4H

🇮🇹 Today, we commemorate a pivotal moment in Italian history: the anniversary of the Liberation of Italy, also known as Liberation Day (or simply April 25th). It's a national holiday of the Italian Republic, celebrated every April 25th to honor Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation and fascism, marking the culmination of the Italian resistance against Nazifascism. 🗓️ This day holds immense significance, symbolizing the relentless struggle waged by partisans and the army since September 8, 1943 (the day Italians learned of the Armistice of Cassibile, just signed with the Allies). It has come to embody both political and military significance in Italy. In these days in Italy, not only controversies arise regarding press freedom and the censorship of anti-fascist messages on the public radio-television service, over which the political class exerts considerable influence, but also about the significance of the day and the legacy of fascism. It's sad and very serious to see that a part of the ruling political class refuses to declare itself anti-fascist. April 25th forever! #LiberationDay #25Aprile #ItalianHistory #Resilience #Unity

If you want to know more about Armenia's quest for peace with Azerbaijan and Turkey please read my story from Yerevan on how the more Armenia gives, the more Azerbaijan and Turkey want. https://lnkd.in/eVYtmGbg