Summer 2014 (#5)

This edition of Convergences focuses on several pressing topics related to public communication in times of crisis, particularly addressing how governments can regain citizens’ trust in such periods. This issue highlights the outcomes of the Athens seminar, where experts discussed communication strategies for rebuilding public confidence amidst economic challenges. The issue also touches on the European elections, exploring the political dynamics in various member states and the role of social media in engaging citizens. Key themes include e-democracy, digital diplomacy, and the challenges of communicating European recovery efforts. Several case studies show how governments are utilizing social media platforms like Facebook to directly communicate with citizens, offering a more interactive communication approach. Additionally, the issue addresses how open policy making can transform the way governments engage with the public, making policy processes more transparent and inclusive.

Key Topics:

1. Rebuilding Citizens’ Trust: Discussion on communication strategies to regain public confidence during crises, with a focus on the Greek crisis and its implications for EU communication.
2. European Elections: The communication challenges surrounding the EU elections, with a focus on euroscepticism, public engagement, and the role of political parties.
3. E-democracy: How digital platforms like social media can be leveraged to increase public participation in the democratic process.
4. Digital Diplomacy: The role of social media in enhancing diplomatic efforts, particularly in Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Estonia’s pioneering e-government strategies.
5. Youth Engagement in Politics: Insights from initiatives like Your Europe, Your Say, encouraging young people’s active participation in European decision-making.
6. Social Media and Public Communication: The impact of social media platforms in government communication, including a case study of Sweden’s use of Facebook by public agencies.
7. The Role of Government Communication: Strategies for governments to adapt their communication to contemporary digital landscapes, balancing official communication with citizen engagement.
8. Crisis Communication: Case studies highlighting how the Bank of Greece adapted its communication strategy during the financial crisis to maintain public trust.
9. Open Policy Making: The need for greater transparency and citizen involvement in policy creation, as outlined in the work of the UK government.
10. Political Communication in South-East Europe: Challenges and opportunities for public communication in transitional democracies, with an emphasis on building social cohesion through better communication.