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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

Find out what others think by exploring other contributions

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!

Get inspiration from the Storiesfrom2050 project
Inside the first self-sustainable city on Mars - by ABIBOO studio
Inside the first self-sustainable city on Mars - by ABIBOO studio
Construction of the city of Nüwa could start in 2054 and will see 250,000 people live inside the rock of a steep cliff. Freeze my body, melt me in 80 years, and send me to Mars. Architecture studio ABIBOO has revealed its plans to create the first self-sustainable city on the Red Planet, which is set to be ready for residents in 2100. The city will be called Nüwa and will be located at Tempe Mensa on one of the Martian cliffs. Its position inside a rock on the steep cliff will protect its residents from radiation and meteorites (cool!) while still giving them
Play the videos to learn how future narratives are born and how they can be rewritten
Play the videos to learn how to use the OurFutures dashboard for analysis or workshops

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#OurFutures stories by EU citizens
Everything is possible with social solidarity
Everything is possible with social solidarity
I want everyone to be in unity and solidarity in the future, not to doubt anyone's security and future. I want everyone to have hopes that they can achieve their dreams and not worry about what will happen in the future. I want it to be a happy and peaceful environment not only for humans but for nature and animals. I don't want people to be bullied about the qualities they don't choose. I want balance for everything. And all this things I want for the future can be with people thinking about everyone and uniting, not their own interests
feed the body feed the soul win the mind
feed the body feed the soul win the mind
I am a dancer and yoga teacher. So, I want to see people dancing freely, loving to move and sharing it with each other. I'm a b-girl and it's hard to be in the break dance community as a woman. But I see that the girls who will come after me dont have this difficulty. Because the world is more indiscriminate and full of love. People dont complain and live in harmony of mind, body and soul . That's the main idea of yoga . And also I'm studying nutrition and dietetic. Healthy and holistic lifestyle and a world that embraces it. Of course everyone is more conscious . Everyone is in their own way . No ambition, no anger . Life is more meaningful that way
Fremtidens by
Fremtidens by
Hi! My name is Rune. My name is Rune and I want to tell you about the amazing cities we're going to live in when I grow up. It's going to be so cool! First of all, all buildings will be covered in plants! There will be gardens on the roofs and green walls everywhere. There will be trees and flowers in all the streets and we will be able to pick fruit from the trees when we walk home from school. It will be much better for the planet and it will always smell nice. We don't just want electric cars, we want flying cars! They won't be noisy and pollute like the cars we have now. I imagine we'll be able to fly above traffic and get there faster. Maybe I can fly to my friend's house in a few minutes! Everything will be really smart and talk to each other. When we walk down the street, the streetlights will turn on when we approach and the garbage cans will tell the garbage trucks when they're full. There will be robots to help us carry heavy objects and clean the streets. There will be lots of sensors and cameras to keep us safe. We'll know when it's safe to cross the road and there will be alarm systems to tell us if something dangerous happens. Parents will always be able to find their children with their phones. Schools will be so different! We won't just sit at tables and listen. We will do fun experiments, build robots and take virtual trips to the past and future. We will learn about the world in new ways that we never could before. There will be super-fast trains that can take us from one end of the country to the other in no time. There will be bike paths everywhere and we will all have cool electric bikes and skateboards. I think we'll be able to rent them with our phones and leave them wherever we want. All our houses and schools will use solar and wind energy. We will have big wind turbines and solar panels on every house. And we'll recycle almost all of our waste, so almost nothing will be thrown away. There will be lots of parks and play areas with virtual games and adventures for us to play in. We will also have large forests and lakes in the middle of the city where we can go boating and fishing. We'll be able to watch movies on big outdoor screens and go to concerts in the parks. There will be plenty of places to meet and socialize with our friends and family. We'll be able to play games, cook together and participate in fun activities. Everyone will feel part of a big community. I can't wait to see what the cities of the future will look like! I think they will be amazing and I hope we can all live in cities like that one day. What about you? What do you dream of in the cities of the future?
In harmony
In harmony
We are living in harmony with nature, with each other, with ourselves. How did it come to this? Money and technology were ruling the world, extracting the resources exponentially and destroying plants, animals, soil, air... It seemed that this approach to economy could not be changed, that everything was geared towards exploiting the Earth to the maximum. People were under the spell of technology, immersed into virtual worlds, virtual networks, virtual communication. Yet, there was rage building up, against the wealthy elites, against the political establishment and the capitalist structures. People started resenting the technology, media, AI, social networks, considering them manipulation tools of the elites. A movement started paradoxically through the social networks, to ditch the technology, ignore the media and ads, revert to more tribal ways of life, exchanging goods and services, communicating and building communities with neighbours, friends, relatives. In some places, there were outright revolutions against the rich, storming the mansions, hacking their bank accounts and burning entire marinas with expensive yachts... Some governments anticipated these shifts and revamped their fiscal systems to reflect the need for human and natural wellbeing, restricting wealth. Those were a very few lucky nations that avoided destruction and bloodshed. It took some years for people to realise what they were missing and what they were searching - closeness with others, with nature, with themselves, without the interference of technology, material goods, virtual realities. With economic systems in shatters, people had to roll up their sleeves again and work hard for their livelihoods, appreciating what nature and their fellow human beings could provide. Hopefully the future will bring new improved models of human conscience so that this life in harmony can be preserved and appreciated, without going through yet another round of rage, destruction and tears.
Harmony and humanity
Harmony and humanity
My name is Thea and I live in Oslo and Malmö. How do I envision the future? In 2040, the world is a model of sustainability and green energy, thanks to major advances in digital innovation and a global awareness of the need to protect our planet. Cities are now crisscrossed by vast green spaces that not only serve as the lungs of cities, but also improve the quality of life for city dwellers. Sophisticated clean energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are ubiquitous and efficiently integrated into the architecture of buildings and public transportation infrastructure. They are fully autonomous and emission-free, powered by green energy generated directly in urban centers. Digitalization is pervasive in all areas of daily life, enabling more efficient use of resources. Artificial intelligence optimizes energy consumption patterns and minimizes waste by providing accurate forecasts and real-time management of energy supply and demand. Every home and appliance will be smart and energy self-sufficient, controlled by systems that learn and adapt to optimize energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. In agriculture, the use of precise, data-driven technology has led to more sustainable farming methods that use less water and pesticides. Vertical farming and urban farms have proliferated in cities, reducing transport distances and increasing the freshness of produce, helping to strengthen local food supplies and reduce CO2 emissions. Industry has been transformed through the use of circular economy models based on the reuse and repurposing of materials.Innovative start-ups have succeeded in developing processes that turn waste products into valuable resources, not only protecting the environment but also creating economic benefits.Education has also taken a leap forward with a focus on environmental awareness and sustainable development, with students learning the importance and methods of environmental protection at an early age, creating a generation ready and willing to carry on and develop these ideals. Overall, the planet has evolved into a place where technology and nature coexist in harmony; societies around the world have realized that true progress can only be made by preserving our natural resources and promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles; the optimism and collaborative spirit that has driven this change is a shining example of how humanity can shape its future when it works together toward a sustainable goal.
Die Schule der Zukunft
Die Schule der Zukunft
Welcome to the school of the future, where education not only imparts knowledge, but also promotes creativity, critical thinking and social skills. At this school, pupils are at the center of attention and are supported according to their individual needs and talents. The architecture of the school is inviting and inspiring. Instead of traditional classrooms, there are flexible learning spaces that can be adapted as required. There are areas for individual work, group projects, collaborative learning and creative activities. The classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, from interactive whiteboards to 3D printers and virtual reality simulators that bring learning to life. Teachers are not only imparters of knowledge, but also mentors and coaches. They work closely with students to identify and promote their individual strengths and interests. Project-based learning is at the heart of the curriculum, with students solving complex problems, developing creative projects and facing real-world challenges. The school of the future places great value on diversity and inclusion. All students are welcome here, regardless of their background, gender, religion or ability. There are programs to support students with special needs and initiatives to promote intercultural understanding and respect. There is also a focus on developing social and emotional skills. Students learn to be empathetic, resolve conflicts constructively and take responsibility for themselves and their community. There are programs to promote health and well-being, including meditation, yoga and stress management. The School of the Future is not only a place of learning, but also a center for innovation and social engagement. Here, students work with local communities to develop solutions to real-world problems, be it environmental protection, social justice or economic development. This school trains the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Students are encouraged to be curious, take risks and pursue their dreams. The School of the Future is a place where the possibilities are limitless and each individual is inspired to reach their full potential. Welcome to the school of the future - where learning becomes an adventure!
For a Peaceful Tomorrow
For a Peaceful Tomorrow
In 2040, the world had transformed into a place where peace and unity were no longer dreams but reality. From a young age, children learned the value of diversity and the harm caused by racism. International laws protected human rights, and communities celebrated their cultural mosaics. In this new world, technology bridged gaps, bringing people closer and promoting understanding. Economic opportunities were available to all, eradicating inequality and fostering growth. Media represented all voices, contributing to a society where everyone felt valued and respected. Amid this change, you were a beacon of hope, advocating for a future without racism. Your work and passion helped shape this peaceful world, proving that unity is the path forward.
True enjoyment of life.
True enjoyment of life.
Tax slavery to be elliminated, less corrupt governments more power to the people that basically allow the mere existance of society as we know it. I dont want to be forced to work all my life so i can "enjoy" few years of retirement, ill probably not even make it through that entire duration so its futile really... I want people to be able to cultivate their spirit and truly live freely truly enjoying all possibilities of life
Kan vi leve med klimaforandringer i fremtiden?
Kan vi leve med klimaforandringer i fremtiden?
By 2040, humanity will likely have adapted and developed different strategies and technologies to live with climate change. Here are some ways we could have learned to live with climate change: Sustainable Infrastructure: Cities have reinforced their infrastructures to withstand more frequent extreme weather events like storms, floods and heat waves. This includes higher dams, improved sewer systems, and green roofs and walls that help absorb rainwater and reduce the heat island effect. Renewable Energy: There has been a significant transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and wave energy. Advances in energy storage, such as battery technology, have made it possible to store energy efficiently and ensure a stable energy supply. Climate resilient agriculture: Agricultural practices have been adapted to meet changing weather conditions. This includes growing drought-tolerant crops, precision irrigation techniques and using technology to predict and manage weather-related risks. Education and Awareness: Climate education has become an integral part of the curriculum in schools and higher education. Public campaigns have raised awareness of sustainable living and individual actions that can reduce carbon footprints. Technological Innovation: New technologies, such as advanced climate models, have improved our ability to predict and respond to climate-related events. Smart cities use IoT (Internet of Things) to manage resources efficiently and reduce energy consumption. Ecosystem-based solutions: Great strides have been made towards preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. Afforestation, wetlands and coral reefs have been protected and restored as they act as natural buffers against climate change. International Collaboration: Global cooperation on climate action has been strengthened. International agreements and partnerships have led to coordinated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support climate adaptation projects in vulnerable regions. Sustainable Urban Planning: Cities have been planned with a focus on sustainability and resilience. This includes the development of compact cities with good public transportation, more green spaces and buildings designed for energy efficiency. Access to Clean Water: Improved water management techniques and new technologies for water purification have ensured that populations have access to clean water despite climate change affecting water resources. Lifestyle changes: People have adapted their lifestyles to be more sustainable. This includes everything from changing diets with less meat consumption to greater use of public transportation and cycling. Through these adaptations and innovations, we have learned to live with climate change and create a more sustainable and resilient future.
Aktivní občanství
Aktivní občanství
I would like citizens to get used to engaging in public affairs in a non-confrontational way, to be able to discuss constructively, to be able to formulate their wishes, to be able to accept a different opinion or a different solution, to which the majority would be in favour.
Trager er beter
Trager er beter
A society that slows down again, and has time to stop, fix and experience things.
Forse ad un certo punto
Forse ad un certo punto
My name is Luca, I am from Verona and I am in Germany for a semester. My mother is Russian, my father is Italian. I imagine a future Europe where I walk through a vibrant, interconnected neighborhood in southern Italy. The streets are lit by solar-powered streetlights and vertical gardens adorn every building. As a renewable energy engineer, I see people from all over Europe exchanging goods and ideas on the marketplace, supported by holographic translators who ensure that everyone is understood. My children attend a virtual school that connects them with friends from all over Europe. Together they work on climate protection projects and actively contribute to improving our world. Health care is personalized and preventive thanks to artificial intelligence and biotechnology, while an unconditional basic income gives everyone the freedom to follow their passions. Despite challenges such as integrating climate refugees, Europe is growing together, supported by a transparent and participatory digital democracy. This Europe, which focuses on sustainability, inclusiveness and innovation, fills me with deep hope. Every step we take today leads us toward a brighter and more harmonious future. No more war!
Stories

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The future is shaped by our ideas and our actions today. Tell us about your visions of the future and help us create a futures narrative aimed at inspiring citizens, policy-makers and foresight experts alike!

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