The Euro-Arab Foundation is part of the European research Project PERCEPTIONS' consortium (Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies and Social Media on Perceptions of Europe in Countries abroad)

The aim of the PERCEPTOINS project is to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the European Union abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures.

Narratives on a “better life” that can become reality somewhere else has always been shaping human migration. However, this "better life" might not be real respond to the image of "promised land" that many migrants carry with them, who often face obstacles and challenges. 

The misconceptions and false narratives propagated through social networks influence these migratory aspirations, raising expectations or disapproval.

Misperceptions about Europe can generate frustration and powerlessness, and even lead to radicalisation processes, threatening the security of the destination country.

Social media and new communication networks, though they have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of such narratives, are at the same time an opportunity to set an exaggerated image straight and to promote a more realistic narrative. 

In order to understand these narratives and combat them, the project will conduct research on the narratives and the myths that are circulating about the EU in countries West- and Central Mediterranean area. Based on the research insights, the consortium will develop a PERCEPTIONS framework model including policy recommendations, action plans and a policy.

The project is funded by the EU Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020.

 Leader

  • SYNYO GmbH  (Austria)

Partners

Spain:

  • Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies
  • University of Granada
  • King Juan Carlos University

Italy:

  • University of Bologna
  • University of Rome La Sapienza
  • Bruno Kessler Foundation

United Kingdom:

  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • University of Northumbria in Newcastle
  • Swansea University 

Bulgaria:

  • Centre for the Study of Democracy 
  • Border Police, Ministry of Interior

Cyprus:

  • Cáritas
  • Aditess - Advanced Integrated Technology Soluctions & Services

Greece:

  • KEMEA - Centre for Security Studies
  • Hellenic Police

Germany: SINUS - Institut for Market and Social Research GmbH

Algeria: CREAD - Center for Research in Applied Economics for Development

Austria: nternational Centre for Migration Policy Development

Belgium: Antwerp University

Egypt: Egyptian Centre for Innovation and Technological Development

France:  Association of Agencies for Local Democracy

Israel: Ministry of Public Security

Kosovo: Kosovar Centre for Security Studies

Netherlands: Erasmus University Rotterdam

Share this post