Themes

Themes
2008 Theme: Which communication strategy for which welcome?

This year the European Summer University a takes a closer look at the importance of communication in reception policies. What is the point of communication? What are the links between attracting and communication strategies? Management of perceptions and images? How to build up a territory’s image? What is the point of communication? For a better understanding of these challenges, and to optimise the different methods of communication, come and join in the 2nd European Summer University!

The challenge of new migration movements

With the opening of European borders, an aging population, voluntary immigration or forced immigration, and increased mobility, these are some factors that cause the new migration movements to be central to everyone’s thoughts, whether at state, regional, town or countryside level.
Without the arrival of new inhabitants, certain countries would never have reached their present economic level of growth. Other countries suffer as a result of citizens leaving.
These migration movements raise the question of population distribution, particularly within the wealthier countries of the European Community. It is also a question raised at national level because of the relative prosperity between regions.
In fact, migration from the cities to rural areas is a great trend. In France, the last census showed a definite increase in people moving to the countryside.
The summer university school will be an opportunity to assess these migration tendencies.

The increase in reception policies

Whatever the nature and the cause of migration, the regions affected build up, test, and evaluate strategies and actions proposed by policies for the planning and development of territories.
Although some large towns and cities still attract new comers, it is mainly rural areas that are seeing the most changes. Places that once experienced a loss of population are now becoming home to newcomers, and voluntarily or not, these rural areas welcome inhabitants who are bringing back life to the community, and its economy, and thus helping to preserve its identity.
The reception policies play a major role in helping these mixed cultures to live harmoniously together.
The European Summer University will be an opportunity to share experiences and catch up with reception policies in France and abroad.