The UnsEU project created a space for rural communities from Bulgaria, Germany and Spain to engage in discussions on key topics such as civic participation, equality, democracy, inclusion, and diversity across daily life. It promoted learning opportunities that connected individuals from various cultures and generations. The partnership aimed to meet the specific goals of the Erasmus+ Programme by facilitating education on EU values and policies through public discussions and workshops, focusing on diverse age groups in rural areas. Its objectives were to strengthen the European identity, promote active involvement in the Union's democratic processes, and reduce social inequalities in isolated regions. The project also sought to address the stigmatization of disadvantaged groups, encouraging tolerance and empathy to build a more cohesive society. By bridging territorial gaps and engaging various local communities, the partnership aimed to contribute to a more inclusive and democratic Europe. Moreover, UnsEU highlighted the importance of political participation, motivating rural citizens to stay informed about EU policies and actively engage in decision-making, including the recently celebrated 2024 European Parliament elections.
The UnsEU project was designed to meet the specific needs of the partner organizations in rural areas, aiming to offer educational opportunities focused on European identity, civic engagement, and democratic participation. The goal was to inform and empower citizens in remote, aging communities in Bulgaria, Germany and Spain, where enthusiasm for European ideals was often lacking, and knowledge about the advantages of European values was minimal. To address these challenges, the partners considered that our rural adult learners required education on civic matters, European identity, inclusion, and diversity, enabling them to become active participants in the European democratic process and contribute to the decisions about the Union's future. The UnsEU project consortium created platforms for rural residents to gather, learn, discuss, and exchange ideas and initiatives. This collaboration encouraged civic involvement and promoted democratic principles by fostering active citizenship, enhancing public participation, and strengthening ties to local community life and European networks. These efforts were in line with the two horizontal and one sectorial priorities outlined by the Erasmus+ Programme, and the adult education sector.