The PERCEPTIONS project aims to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures.
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) starting from September 2019 is part of the new Horizon 2020 research and innovation project projects supported by the European Union (EU) and coordinated by the Austrian organization SYNYO GmbH.
The PERCEPTIONS project aims to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures. For that purpose, the project will conduct research on the narratives and the myths that are circulating about the EU in three countries of migrants’ origin (as well as transit) (Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia) and four Mediterranean countries of arrival (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain), as well as two countries of transit to Europe (Bulgaria and Kosovo), representing three routes into Europe (Western, Central, and Eastern Mediterranean). The research will be conducted in cooperation with local and international partners in order to find out how the EU is perceived in social media, local newspapers and by the general public.
A comprehensive approach combining quantitative and qualitative research methods will clarify the picture for the exemplary selection of research sites. The outcomes will be analysed against the background of scientific literature. Based on the research insights, the consortium will develop a PERCEPTIONS framework model including policy recommendations, action plans and a policy strategy – aligned with the ethical principles of the EU –addressing these challenges through foreign policy on different levels (from bilateral contacts to high-level working groups). Furthermore, this framework will contain validated new methods for practitioners and civil-society organisations in order to support them to present a realistic picture of the EU in these countries.
The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) role in the PERCEPTIONS project is to implement research activities for screening existing policies and policy recommendations, whitepapers, and models in Kosovo with respect to migration and its narratives. Furthermore, the KCSS will conduct quantitative and qualitative interviews with migrants and practitioners in Kosovo as well as will organize focus groups with local policymakers, and civil society organisations to identify needs to improve external security. It is worth mentioning that the KCSS also will contribute to the dissemination activities of the PERCEPTIONS project.
The project titled “Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies, Social Media, and Perceptions in Countries Abroad on Migration Flows and the Security of the EU & Provide Validated Counter Approaches, Tools and Practices” which has commenced to be implemented since September 2019 will last 36 months. The KCSS is one of the partner organisations of this project being responsible the implementation of activities in Kosovo. Apart from the KCSS, partners of this project are prestigious European universities, research institute and civil society organizations representing European countries and beyond.
Project details at a glance
Title: Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies, Social Media, and Perceptions in Countries Abroad on Migration Flows and the Security of the EU & Provide Validated Counter Approaches, Tools and Practices
Coordinator SYNYO GmbH
No. 833870
Start date 01.09.2019
Duration 36 months
Contact information
Website https://project.perceptions.eu/
Email [email protected]