The goal of our project was to facilitate an exchange between active German and Portuguese trade unionists on the topics of socio-ecological transformation in the areas of climate and labor, and to compile a joint agenda in the form of a results brochure. Additionally, the roles of both full-time and volunteer trade unionists were to be defined within this context. The project aimed to fill a gap in the current discourse on climate change by incorporating the social component more strongly and developing strategies at both the local and European levels. As trade unionists, we wanted to demonstrate that joint efforts can make a difference and that the voices of citizens are heard. The project intended to bring people together, encourage networking, and motivate individuals to engage in climate protection. The project goals are closely aligned with the priorities of civic engagement, shared values, and climate change, as the project supports the development of appropriate measures and strategies to promote the European spirit, networking, and discussion of common values.
We applied for this project because it provided us with a low-threshold entry into a new form of the Erasmus+ program, and we wanted to get to know our partner and explore the collaboration with this project. We have already been active in vocational education in previous generations of the Erasmus+ or predecessor program, but with this project, we aimed to reach new target groups with our ideas and work and to promote binational exchange in adult education. We addressed the need to establish a new network, create a new partnership, and also to undertake something for climate protection in our areas of influence and to bring the issue to the agenda of German and Portuguese employees.