If we had to highlight the features that distinguish a successful Bulgarian in Central Europe, we would not focus on some big businessman who flaunts an expensive car and a number of material possessions. Actually, the image of a successful Bulgarian is of a person who has accumulated knowledge, has interests in various fields and speaks perfectly the language of the country in which they live. Here we are talking about a person who has not only won the trust of people in a foreign country, but with talent and work has managed to rise to leadership positions in competition with the locals.

We are meeting such a person today - Dr. Veselin Vačkov. Until recently he was the director of the oldest and most popular Czech newspaper "Lidové noviny" and now is the founder and head of "Publico" - a modern online news media.

"I am a media person with experience in a management position in the Czech newspaper for more than 20 years," says Dr. Vačkov and adds:

"Of course, like every start-up, like every new project, there is a lot of work. So, I am busy enough, which makes me feel good. In my opinion, the key to good integration and a fulfilling life in a foreign country is mastering the language and absorbing the culture. I had the chance to study at Charles University and dedicated a whole year to studying the Czech language. I managed to achieve a level that later helped me have this career in journalism. Unfortunately, many times Bulgarians or other people find themselves in a foreign environment and want to adapt, but do not make enough efforts to learn the language. Bulgaria is perceived as a close country, where Czechs are always welcome and that is why they continue to visit it as tourists but also for doing business. There are serious Czech investments in Bulgaria. In fact, in the sphere of media one of the largest private investments in the country is by one of the largest Czech companies. So, Bulgarian-Czech relations are now at a very high level."

The latest news about Bulgaria in the Czech Republic is related to the adoption of the euro in 2026. Czechia still uses the koruna and there is no set date when it would eventually adopt the single European currency. "The attitude towards the euro is not that positive, as most people do not see economic benefit from adopting the common European currency," Dr. Vačkov says and adds:

"Otherwise, news from Bulgaria is not very frequent but in media this is a rather good thing, as media often seek news that are not very positive. The years spent as editor-in-chief of an old Czech media outlet have taught me that one must constantly develop, learn and progress. In the media industry, things are changing fast and what I knew yesterday is not enough today. It is not easy at all due to the major technological changes. On the other hand, the need to learn and to adopt new knowledge and new skills is very valuable for a person. It gives me the opportunity to feel younger than I am," Dr. Vačkov says.

However, according to Dr. Vačkov, the profession of a journalist is no longer particularly popular and attractive, especially among young people. "It is much more interesting for them to be influencers, YouTubers, bloggers, but not journalists. I don't know what the world would look like if the last journalist disappeared. I'm not sure it would be better than today's," Dr. Veselin Vačkov says in conclusion.

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: Personal archive, Facebook /Veselin Vačkov