Crisis, Conflict and Critical Diplomacy: The EU Perceptions in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine

“Crisis, Conflict and Critical Diplomacy: EU Perceptions in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine” (C3EU) focused on EU images across the key issues of cooperation (economy, politics, culture, energy, environment, science and research). C3EU diagnosed and explained EU perceptions in these volatile strategic neighbours and tracked narratives and expectations of the EU. C3EU utilised existing academic connections, successful structures, tested methods and innovative theoretical models to provide empirical information and policy recommendations to stakeholders and target audiences to fine-tune public diplomacy based on an in-depth assessment of EU perceptions in the three conflicted locations. To achieve its goals, C3EU delivered a comprehensive programme of research, teaching and dissemination events uniting leading experts in EU foreign policy and perceptions research and early-career researchers (team of 36 scholars). All planned cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary transnational activities were implemented.C3EU focused on EU visions in societies traumatized by conflict and gathered comprehensive systematic data. Research Activities (F.2.3) informed by strategic narrative theory prescribed analysis of formation, projection and reception of EU images and narratives. Respectively, C3EU researched:formation and projection of EU self-images/narratives towards Ukraine and Israel/Palestine (F.2.3.1)communication of EU images/narratives by external and EU MS media (F.2.3.2)reception of EU images/narratives by EU and non-EU elites (F.2.3.3) and youth (F.2.3.4)comparative analysis (F.2.3.5) across locations, cohorts, as well as internal (EU) vs. external (Ukraine, Israel, Palestine) perspectivesTeaching Activities (F.2.1) in the plan targeted several audiences. C3EU planned 4 Research Trainings (F2.1.1) for early-career researchers followed by 4 Webinars (F.2.1.3a). These Activities aimed at introducing C3EU researchers to internationally tested methods in research of external perceptions/narratives and training in policy recommendations and dissemination techniques. C3EU also planned Diplomatic Trainings targeting diplomats and early-career professionals from conflicted locations and the EU (F.2.1.2) followed by a series of webinars/individual follow-ups (F.2.1.3.b).C3EU planned a series of Events (F.2.4). To monitor its progress and promote networking among its team, C3EU outlined 6 Network Meetings (F.2.4.1). These were planned over three years paired with Research Trainings of Young Scholars (F.2.1.1).C3EU planned 19 Dissemination Events (F.2.4.3) to inform and influence key audiences engaged in EU policies/diplomacy towards Ukraine, Israel and Palestine. C3EU also planned 2 concluding events: C3EU Stakeholder Roundtable in Brussels (F.2.4.2) to present findings and policy recommendations to EU stakeholders and C3EU Concluding Symposium (F.2.4.4) to report to a wider academic community.A set of Deliverables (F.2.2) was planned. To maximize its outreach, C3EU aimed to establish its Virtual Resource Centre with local languages profiles (F.2.2.1 and F.2.2.2). The on-line platforms were conceived as highly effective in the dissemination of other Deliverables: 3 C3EU E-Newsletters (F.2.2.3); high-profile Academic Publications (F.2.2.4); and 3 C3EU Executive Reports (F.2.2.5).Among planned Deliverables were also Courses/Modules in European Integration and other disciplines featuring C3EU findings (F.2.2.6). These aimed at expanding C3EU teaching impact and networks to reach new generation of students. C3EU planned to establish a new Centre of Research Excellence upon its completion (F.2.2.8) to demonstrate sustainability of research agenda. C3EU planned to increase political impact by providing policy recommendations for an internationally recognised policy institute (Chatham House) (F.2.2.7). C3EU also planned to provide Erasmus+ with interim and final reports (F.2.2.9) reflecting on the progress and achievements of the C3EU.