Historical and Geographical Information
Recently, the term "Eastern Europe" has been used to refer to all European countries that were previously ruled by Communist regimes - the so-called "Eastern Bloc". The idea of an "Iron Curtain" separating "Western Europe" and Soviet-controlled "Eastern Europe" was dominant throughout the period of the Cold War which followed the Second World War. This dualism failed to account fully for some exceptions, as Yugoslavia and Albania were Communist states outside of Moscow's control.

As a cultural and ethnic concept, the term Eastern Europe was defined by 19th century German nationalists to be synonymous with "Slavic Europe", as opposed to Germanic (Western) Europe. This concept was reinforced during the years leading up to World War II and was often used in a racist terminology to characterize Eastern/Slavic culture as being backward and inferior to Western/Germanic culture, language, and customs. Eastern Europe would then refer to the imaginary line which divided predominantly German lands from predominantly Slavic lands. The dividing line has thus changed over time as a result of the World Wars, as well as numerous expulsions and genocides.
Central and Eastern Europe is comprised of many different nations, including Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovania, Muldova, Latvia, Lithunia and Ukraine.

Central-Eastern Europe is a diverse region, which constitutes 63% of the territory and 36% of the population of Europe. In spite of the diversity among the countries of the region, there are also great similarities. All countries have gone or are going through a difficult transition from centrally planned to market economy. During the years several empires like the Ottoman, the Tsarist, and the Habsburg, have occupied a big portion or several countries of what we now call Central-Eastern Europe. After World War II ended, communism started to spread like a disease throughout this region. Having pretty much a commune historical and political background it is no wonder that there are many similarities between our countries, ranging from national foods and folk music to mentality, economic situation and political views.

Things are changing rapidly and we can see with each passing year, the Western influence in our countries that has both positive and negative aspects. Globalization is seen like a threat to national, cultural and ethnic identity.

The hope lies within the young generation, a generation that will take this land to a whole new level from all points of view. SOZO started to invest in this generation of people that are not afraid to fight against forms and traditions, against mentalities that have kept us too long in the darkness, against poverty and social inequity, against sexual and ethnic discrimination. By joining us you will also get this chance, to leave a mark on this part of the world and its amazing people.