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Stories for the future of Europe

Join us in exploring the possibilities of the future! Share your future perspectives, discover other people’s visions, and engage in a dialogue on what Europe and the world may look like in the future. We collect, share and distribute your visions in our stories database.

Share your visions of the future!

Your ideas matter – shape the future you want! Share your visions of tomorrow and join us in creating a narrative that inspires citizens, policymakers, and foresight experts. Together, we can co-create the future.

Write your future story and answer a few questions

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Take a look at the #ourfutures dashboard for some numbers

Your story, and those of others, are presented to EU policymakers

Stories - find your inspiration!

Stories do shape futures. Dive into the video tutorials to explore how future narratives are born. Further below, browse trough a series of inspiring, thought-provoking stories around challenges and opportunities of our futures.

Share your visions of the future!

Share your visions of the future!

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Get inspiration from the Storiesfrom2050 project
Seeds of change - by Lin Lune
Seeds of change - by Lin Lune
2021, ETH Zürich Seed Bank Cynthia Yu walks through rows and rows of shelving, a cuboid beehive with drawers the size of index cards, and whispers Latin taxonomy. She knows that she does not know how many species go extinct every day, and she knows that her unborn child will be named something special. 2030, ETH Zürich Seed Bank "Hey Cynthia, you should take the day off. Everyone's seen the news."
Tomato Seed - by Giovanna Guiffrè
Tomato Seed - by Giovanna Guiffrè
It’s the 26th of May 2050. Today is my birthday. My son wanted to celebrate my birthday at a famous restaurant on the moon. He wanted to fly us to the moon in his new airbus. But I refused by saying that I would like to celebrate my birthday at our house. Now the party has ended, and I am sitting on my terrace.
Proximity - by Nicole Seredenko
Proximity - by Nicole Seredenko
Each morning of the school week started the same way. Father Jim Mitchell and Harriett Baker walked to school together, a twenty-minute walk that was shortened by cutting through the farmer’s market. At a quarter before seven, every Wednesday, the local makers and growers were still setting up their stands for the day ahead.
Firebreak - by Chris Butler
Firebreak - by Chris Butler
Firebreak, 2025 by Chris Butler “Hey, Jerry, how have you been? It’s great to see you are still open.” I looked up from the glassware I was wiping water spots off. “Dan, I haven’t seen you for a few weeks. How have you been with, you know, all of the limitations?”

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#OurFutures stories by EU citizens

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Älter werden im Dorf
Älter werden im Dorf
I have grown older. Together with my partner, I fulfilled my dream of building another house - after all, there was still room in the garden of the old house! It's not any smaller than the old house, but the layout is better. We have moved into the upper apartment - the office in the basement is no longer needed since we retired from work. It now serves as an apartment when children and grandchildren come to visit. Our neighborhood is constantly changing. Separations and deaths bring change. The houses don't stay empty for long. It is very popular to live in the village. People still look out for each other here and living together works. There are lots of activities for young and old, and most people are keen to get involved in voluntary work. All in all, it's a good place to grow older.

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Unsere Hoffnung
Unsere Hoffnung
There is no more war in Europe. The states have come to a good agreement and respect each other and their borders. All European states are part of the European Union and administer it jointly and amicably. There are no political or economic dependencies on other states. Agreements are effective here. Poverty and homelessness are exceptional cases. Everyone can get help. Migration is not a negative issue because people and their labor are welcome. However, people who have committed crimes are deported and have to return to their home country. Climate change continues to be a major issue, but work is being done worldwide to bring about change. Resources are being conserved and protected. Recycling is the norm.

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Den gröna framtiden
Den gröna framtiden
I would like to see a future where a major change has been made for the benefit of the environment and the future of the planet. Solar, wind and hydro power have replaced fossil fuels. Buildings, houses, etc. are equipped to be self-sufficient both in terms of energy and basic commodities such as potatoes and the like. Public transportation has switched completely to electric vehicles and there are incredible high-speed trains that can compete with flights between major cities.

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Es wäre schön
Es wäre schön
It would be nice if viruses such as HIV and annoying pestilences such as cancer were considered eradicated in 2040. It would be nice if it were possible to determine at birth whether a child is likely to have serious illnesses that can then be eradicated immediately. It would be nice if inflation could be reduced to a minimum. It would be nice if religions no longer played a role. Because there are wars because of religion. Wars that can be prevented.

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Podróże w czasie
Podróże w czasie
In 2040, the world looked very different from twenty years earlier. Poland had become a peaceful, safe country united around common values. The streets were clean, cities were well organized, and people lived in harmony, valuing their traditions and culture. There was an atmosphere of tranquility in the towns - children played fearlessly in backyards, the elderly strolled through parks, and neighbors knew each other and helped each other in their daily lives. Local communities flourished, and small family businesses grew, supported by modern technology and a conscious approach to the economy. There were no problems with crime or riots. The authorities were making sure that the country was developing in a sustainable and safe way. Young people had good prospects - they could get a quality education, develop their passions and be sure to find a decent job. Thanks to wise economic policies, Poland became self-sufficient - agriculture flourished, domestic companies produced modern technologies, and people enjoyed stability and prosperity. Society was united, proud of its history and ready to build a future in accordance with its own values. In the evening, sitting on the terrace of his home, John looked out at the peaceful streets and felt gratitude. He knew that his children were growing up in a world where they could feel safe, respect their roots and build a better future for future generations.

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Czy to bajka, czy nie bajka?
Czy to bajka, czy nie bajka?
A better future... We drive electric cars, and electricity for them is provided by wind and nuclear power plants. Unsustainable plastic has replaced glass, garbage incinerators with efficient filters have finally made waste pits unnecessary. The air in Polish cities is breathable even in winter, and in summer we are not afraid of drought and lack of water. And instead of armaments, we spend money on health care and equalizing opportunities for children and young people. All this may be, however, I will put it between fairy tales....

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Einigkeit macht stark
Einigkeit macht stark
The Ukraine war and Trump's government have shaken the Europeans awake. Peace was imposed on Ukraine, Nato membership was prevented by the USA and admission to the EC was completed. The EC founded a joint army and stationed part of it in Ukraine. The bureaucracy was radically simplified, applications must be completed within 6 months at the latest. Great Britain is back in the EC. Decisions by the Council of Europe require 60 percent approval. The blockade attitude of individual states no longer exists.

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Naturen er reddet
Naturen er reddet
A technology has been invented that efficiently decomposes CO2 from the atmosphere and we are back to a world without climate change. The oceans are healthy with beautiful coral reefs and plenty of fish. The Nordic countries have winters with long periods of snow. Further south in Europe there are less frequent forest fires and normal amounts of rain that produce good crops. There are no climate refugees. People appreciate nature more and seek it out often. Animal welfare is also an important focus area and less meat is eaten. Smart phones and computers are used less often, and people are less available by phone/email both privately and at work.

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Ma maison du futur
Ma maison du futur
Always very connected. A detached house that stands on its own. Photovoltaic panels, water recycling. Warm in winter and cool in summer. Naturally, I have a greenhouse so I can eat the fruit and vegetables I grow myself. There will also be cameras for my security. I'd really like to see other forms of propulsion for my vehicle developed, with solar panels to recharge my car.

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Enfin libre
Enfin libre
It's 7:30 a.m. the AI alarm clock comes on to give me the weather forecast, and also the traffic situation in the aerobuses. I get ready and head for the station, where I'll meet up with the regulars who live on the same community block. This weekend, weather permitting, I'll be able to spend two days away from the city in protected nature. I'm a middle manager in a company specializing in agronomy, we manage breeders and growers who work on very well-equipped farms. The world lives in peace and personal spirituality has replaced false religions. Politics, too, has been reduced and everything is run by assemblies of wise men aided by AI. There is no longer a dictatorial Europe, and everything is decided at local level by wise men who change every three years. All the lies of the former elites have been exposed and the protagonists heavily punished. Drugs have been almost totally eradicated, and specialized leisure centers offer even stronger sensations, but without danger or addiction. A great deal of attention is paid to children's education, and many harmful subjects are no longer taught. The death penalty has been reinstated for serious offences, and many judgments are handed down by the AI and upheld by sages.

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Aucun
Aucun
When I wake up, the machines prepare the breakfast I usually have (coffee, toast and a piece of fruit). My clothes are ready and are automatically put on me. I take public transport, which flies fast and allows me to get to work quickly. It's not very sustainable, but it's practical. Cycling has become an activity that's losing ground because it's not as fast. Society is going faster and faster. Everything is computerized and doesn't allow for much social interaction, and that's the problem. As for family life, it's still all together in the same house, but that doesn't really make it feel like a family, as everyone is more isolated in front of an electrical device that occupies their free time.

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Se på mig
Se på mig
Sitting in a café in the sun, people are talking to each other. Cell phones are put away. You look each other in the eye and take an interest in each other. Respecting differences, sexuality, skin colors and attitudes. People no longer judge each other. There is peace and calm in the world. No one feels superior to anyone else. The focus is on the contact, interaction and respect between people. There is peace and no stress

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Stories

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