Event- Leading with Purpose: Reflections from the EU Green Deal & Erasmus+ Sustainability in Mobilities

Are you curious about what it feels like to be part of an Erasmus+ experience and how it can shape and develop your vision?

In this article, Luana Burducea, STSL Ambassador and participant in the EU Green Deal & Erasmus+: Sustainability in Mobility program, as part of the garagErasmus, shares insights from a journey of learning, collaboration and inspiration. Through workshops on climate action, digital tools, and project design, as well as meaningful connections with young leaders from across Europe, this story reflects on the urgency of sustainability.

Read the journey of Luana below:

In a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, we, as young leaders, are called to take action. Recently, I had the privilege to participate in the EU Green Deal & Erasmus+: Sustainability in Mobility, a one-day experience that went far beyond a simple getaway. It was a space for learning, sharing, connecting, and dreaming about a better, more sustainable future for all of us.

When I first arrived, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, especially because it was my first Erasmus. But what I found was a community of passionate, dedicated individuals, each with their own stories, ideas, and motivations, yet all united by the same belief: sustainability is not an option, it is our shared responsibility.

Our journey started with a workshop on the European Green Deal. We explored the latest policies, strategies, and actions that aim to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. For me, this session felt like a refresh button. Coming from a background in Ecology and Environmental Protection, I was already familiar with many concepts, but revisiting them in such a dynamic and collaborative environment gave them a whole new meaning. It reminded me why I chose this path in the first place, which is to contribute to real, impactful change.

What inspired me most was seeing so many like-minded individuals working toward the same vision. It was empowering to realize that we are not alone in this fight and there is a whole network of young people who care deeply about the planet and are ready to act.

The second workshop shifted our focus to digital solutions. We explored online tools and platforms that can help us collaborate, design, and manage sustainability projects more effectively. In today’s interconnected world, technology plays a critical role in solving environmental challenges. These tools aren’t just about improving efficiency, they are about connecting people, scaling impact, and accelerating positive change. I discovered new resources that I am excited to integrate into future projects, and I truly believe they can make a big difference, especially when working on cross-border initiatives.

The third and final workshop was perhaps the most impactful for me personally: how to write, design, and coordinate sustainability-related projects. As someone from Romania, I see firsthand the urgent need for more experts and leaders who can create meaningful projects that bring communities together and drive environmental change. This session gave us the opportunity to practice, brainstorm, and work in teams, simulating real-life project development. It was an eye-opening experience because not only did we learn how to write impactful projects, but we also understood the importance of designing them with a long-term vision in mind. Projects are not just about ticking boxes, they are about creating solutions that last.

Beyond the panels, discussions, and exercises, what made this event truly unforgettable were the people. I had the chance to meet individuals from across Europe, passionate, driven, and determined to make a difference. We exchanged stories, shared challenges, and built connections that I believe will last beyond this event. It was beautiful to see how, despite coming from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds, we all share the same belief: our home is not just our city, or our country, our home is the planet.  

These conversations reminded me that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together, inspire each other, and take collective action. This experience gave me a lot of hope. Hope that, step by step, we can move towards a future where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Hope that our generation will be the one to transform ambition into action.

The EU Green Deal & Erasmus+ event was more than just a day of workshops, it was a call to action. It reminded me that each of us, no matter where we come from, has the power to shape a better future. I leave this event motivated, inspired, and committed to doing my part in building a greener, more responsible Europe. And I am deeply grateful to the Erasmus+ community and the organizers for creating this space for learning, collaboration, and change.

Together, we are shaping the future... And the future is green. 

Article redacted by our STSL Ambassador, Luana Burducea. 

GEYC - Group of the European Youth for Change

Organisation in Special consultative status with the United Nations - Economic and Social Council since 2023. A member of the PRISMA European Network.

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