The potential of return migration as a resource for EU public diplomacy efforts: a case-study of New Zealand return migrants from the EU

External construction of the European unity idea is an under-researched topic in EU scholarship. This paper explores the potential of return migration from the EU to third countries to the study and practice of EU public diplomacy and external relations. Attempting to conceptualise the phenomenon of return migration within theories of public diplomacy, this analysis focuses on a case-study of New Zealand (NZ) sojourners from the EU-27 and investigates their awareness and perceptions of the EU, compared with those of the NZ general public's views of the Union. The results of one case-study are presented – a purposive survey of EU perceptions among a particular focus-group. Ultimately, this research assesses the importance of returnees' experiences to the effective practice of EU public diplomacy and considers the importance of 'perceptions' studies in shaping Europe's interactions with the world.