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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.

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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
Humanity’s Leap - by Frank Spencer
Humanity’s Leap - by Frank Spencer
The Journey There we were, just the three of us, strapped into a tin can that was about to leap light-years across the universe in just a matter of seconds. Below us, you could see the curvature of Mars, and through the left window you could make out Phobos in the distance. I remember thinking two things at that moment: how large swaths of Earth now resembled the barren Mars terrain, and that the next sight we would see - if the leap was a success - would be unlike anything we had ever experienced before.
From a Book to Another - by Enric Bas
From a Book to Another - by Enric Bas
“Walks on his own with thoughts he can't help thinking. Future's above, but in the past, he's slow and sinking.” (“Nothingman”. Pearl Jam, 1994) In 2050, a final year study course in Tennessee (USA) is proposed to secondary students finishing their studies in a local school in Xábia: a remote, small and beautiful Mediterranean coastal town that from the 1960s to the 2020s had been one of the favourite spots for wealthy families-mainly from Northern Europe-worldwide.
Hunting Shadows - by Marguerite Coetzee
Hunting Shadows - by Marguerite Coetzee
It was the day of The Feast. When the last burning ember died after a season of firestorms, much of the planet was scorched. At the time, the only life that could be found was underground. Fenicians were emerging from their hidden homes after having sought shelter from the flames above. As was customary, this particular cycle’s gatherers were retrieving food from storage while self-elected hunters prepared themselves for The Ritual.
Build and Burn - by Eric van Gennip
Build and Burn - by Eric van Gennip
I As darkness falls, the first footsteps of the Parajeevees tribe enter the Death Zone. A soft yellow glow of three distant moons balms the surface and the burned ashes covering it. The soil suffered from a firestorm once more. Devouring all life, human, animal and vegetation. The fire doesn’t care. The fire always wins. Princess Jaaleet steps from her carrier and starts aesthetically waving her arms and hips.
Play the videos to learn how future narratives are born and how they can be rewritten

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#OurFutures stories by EU citizens

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En positiv fremtid
En positiv fremtid
It's a beautiful day in the city. The smog and smoke particles from cars and oil burners are almost gone. The city's roofs shine from the solar panels mounted on every building. The power is free for those who make the roof available to the community and the rest is sold cheaply to industry. Energy is not something that is monetized, but a shared good. This is also due to the large ITER fusion reactors in each country. The city is green. Trees and parks have spread and are used by the inhabitants who now work 30 hours a week. We laugh when we look back 15 years ago at all the time spent at work. The extra free time has created a boom in leisure activities and volunteering. Stress has decreased significantly in society and quality of life has increased. The massive program to eliminate inequality in the EU has paid off; the richest are not as rich as they used to be and they don't lack anything, but with the poorest suddenly having money in their hands, crime has dropped to almost nothing and health care bills have fallen. People are happy. War is a thing of the past. We found that peace and trade was better in the long run. Russia is starting to be accepted again after their apology to Ukraine and the world and they are experiencing a boom in their economy and tourism. Trump's regime never materialized and the next president apologized and changed things so that even Americans could get some of the welfare benefits that Europe gives its citizens. Religion no longer rules the world. Secular societies based on science and humanism have finally trumped the Iron Age-based religious dogmas. Now man finally comes before the gods and equality and diversity flourish. Circumcision has become a choice for people of legal age, church bells no longer interfere with daily life, all religious communities pay taxes and the Danish Church has finally been freed from the state due to lack of support. They collect their own taxes and several churches have been transformed into cultural centers that everyone can use. Environmentally, progress is slow. The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture have taken an incredibly hard line and have spent many resources on innovative solutions and restrictions on emissions and harmful fishing. Several zones in Denmark have been protected from industrial fishing and with the huge restoration effort, where the Green Tripartite proved to be just the start of an environmentally friendly revolution, life has returned to the sea and nature, wildlife and insects are thriving. These things have become a big part of Denmark's tourist experience. Technology is booming. Robots help us in our everyday lives and advanced genetic engineering has doubled the human lifespan and eradicated many diseases, including cancer. We can now control unhealthy obesity much better and healthier and the increased health has reduced healthcare costs. We now have a healthcare system that can handle the needs of society without the health professionals suffering. Education has become more widespread after the government's massive investment in public schools. It was discovered that a good primary school with small class sizes, more teachers and a strong focus on pedagogy in the children's free time, supported by many competent educators, prepared the children to become well-functioning citizens, as they gained both academic knowledge and social skills from an early age. Danish children are doing well. The Danish Church has also been removed from primary schools. Christianity education has been changed to the subject "philosophy of life" and also includes non-religious beliefs. This has better equipped children to deal with the diversity of the world and create a better self-image of themselves. After the independence of the Church of England, the number of secular weddings and funerals has increased. It was Scotland that started this trend, which has now spread to the rest of Europe. So the world has now taken the first deep steps towards a more peaceful world, with less war, a better environment and less human suffering. We have already started colonizing Mars and the discovery of life on some of Jupiter's moons has humbled us. We are not the only life in space. And with Earth as our safe and green base, we are finally technologically ready to conquer space beyond our own solar system.
Un avenir entouré d'amour et de respect
Un avenir entouré d'amour et de respect
In 2025, families have drifted apart. So things have to change. Our house has 2 parts: one for our couple, one for the children and grandchildren. In the middle, the common room where we can see each other if we need or want to. A fireplace, armchairs and a sofa, a piano and other musical instruments for playing together. A TV to share after voting on which program to watch together. A kitchen and dining room table where we can dine together whenever we like. A large garden with lots of games for the little ones. A swimming pool. A quieter corner for the adults too, with games and reading. The key word: family communication.
Die Vernunft muss siegen!
Die Vernunft muss siegen!
All the countries of the world not only live together peacefully but have also joined forces to protect the earth and the climate. For example, they have jointly financed projects to reforest forests and to reforest and green barren landscapes anywhere in the world. Production is now only based on demand, not profit. Within the EU in particular, countries have once again put the welfare of their own country first. Illegal immigration, especially in Germany, has been stopped and foreign criminals have been returned to their home countries. In Germany, the AfD is the only party in power and has returned the country to its former strength. Christmas markets and public events are making a peaceful comeback. Victims of foreign criminals received compensation and the perpetrators received their just punishments.
Es könnte so schön sein
Es könnte so schön sein
In 2040, society lives with little inequality. Wealth is taxed fairly, which means that a lot has been invested in social justice. Everyone has the opportunity to have a good standard of living through their work. People only work three days a week and can spend their free time on creativity and social engagement. There is complete equality between men and women. Women don't have to be afraid to walk the streets at night. global warming has been slowed down Companies work, not profit-oriented, but always with the highest social and ecological focus. There are no more borders and no one on earth has to go hungry. There is no discrimination against people however they identify themselves or whatever group they belong to. Fundamental rights are respected everywhere. There are no wars, women can decide on their own reproduction. Everyone gets an education and is trained in what is important for the coexistence of all people and animals on earth, there is a sense of decency about resources not being withheld by one group and other groups being exploited. Because a lot of money has been invested in research and international networking, there are hardly any more diseases that kill people and everyone has access to the healthcare system
Der Mensch trägt die Verantwortung
Der Mensch trägt die Verantwortung
I would like people to respect themselves more, to be less focused on profit and more on charity, to use their abilities to help people who have less money to make something of their lives. I would like people to value themselves more, then they would buy fewer unhealthy products and respect their health and the health of others more, which would also benefit the environment. They would eat more healthily and have more respect for creation, and therefore for themselves, because they are part of creation. An individual person who really changes by learning to really value themselves also changes their whole lifestyle, which creates a chain to the environment. This also makes the country/nation healthier. Change starts with every single person and only that can really change the world, the nation for the better and that is my vision for 2040.
Gezondheidszorg in 2040: sneller, slimmer en mensgerichter
Gezondheidszorg in 2040: sneller, slimmer en mensgerichter
It is 2040, and healthcare has taken a giant leap forward. No more endless wait times, no more fragmentation of care between different agencies - everything has become more efficient, accessible and people-oriented. In this ideal future, hospitals, general practitioners and specialty care providers work under one roof or in seamless collaborative networks. Smart technology and data exchange allow patients to get to the right specialist immediately, without unnecessary referrals or long waiting times. AI-based triage systems ensure that care requests are assessed quickly and accurately, so that people immediately receive the care they need. In addition, prevention has become a key focus. People have access to personalized health programs supported by technology that helps them live healthy lives and identify conditions early. This not only eases the pressure on care, but also keeps people healthy longer. But best of all? Healthcare is still human. Despite all the technological advances, the relationship between caregiver and patient is central. Doctors and nurses have more time for personal attention thanks to more efficient processes, which ensures better care as well as a more pleasant working environment. The healthcare of 2040 will not only be faster and smarter, but above all more personalized. And that is exactly where we need to go.
Paris futuriste sans les ecologistes
Paris futuriste sans les ecologistes
I imagine Paris in 2050 without the constraints imposed by environmentalists, where the city would be transformed by technological advances and architectural innovations. 1 Transportation: Paris streets would be dominated by autonomous, electric vehicles, reducing the need for parking and allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Transport drones could also be integrated, carrying people and goods through the air. 2. architecture: buildings would be designed using futuristic materials, perhaps even self-regenerating structures that adapt to climatic conditions. Rooftops would be covered with lush gardens and recreational spaces, creating oases within the city. 3 Energy: The city could be powered by advanced renewable energy sources, such as solar panels integrated into building facades or discreet urban wind turbines, making Paris almost energy self-sufficient. In short, Paris in 2050 could be a dynamic metropolis where technology and innovation shape daily life, while offering a pleasant, modern living environment.
Retour aux fondements de l'Europe
Retour aux fondements de l'Europe
Europe has been overwhelmed by mass immigration, bombings, xenophobia and the muzzling of free speech. The new generation of Europeans woke up as they did when they were under Ottoman, Nazi or Soviet domination. Thanks to the new generation, by 2040 we had a majority of libertarian voters. In just 10 years, Europe has become dynamic again, protecting its borders from Wokist and Muslim obscurantism in particular, but welcoming anyone who wants to work towards the freedom of peoples' choices and ideas. The politicians who had distanced us from Europe's origins have been judged, but forgiven for their reconciliation. In 2050, Europe will once again be a land of peace, free enterprise, the ability to express one's ideas, and a forerunner in new technologies beyond generative AI. Indeed, all the multitudes spent on clentelism have been redirected
Blick in die Zukunft
Blick in die Zukunft
In 2040, I wake up in my smart apartment, which automatically adapts to my needs. The view out of the window shows a green, clean city where cars only drive electrically and autonomously. Thanks to advanced technology, the air quality is excellent and the cities are dotted with green oases. I have breakfast in a café that offers sustainable products from local, vertical farms. Work is all about creative collaboration - artificial intelligence helps to solve complex tasks, but humans remain the creative minds. Education has been revolutionized: Everyone has access to personalized learning methods and can learn new skills at their own pace. In my free time, I use virtual worlds to experience new cultures or realize old dreams. Society has recognized that prosperity is not only material, but also lies above all in health, education and sustainability.
unser Klima
unser Klima
By the middle of the 21st century, it will probably be one to two degrees Celsius warmer than it is today. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assumes that the earth could even heat up by up to 5 degrees Celsius by 2100. Climate change has a complex impact on humans and nature: extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or heatwaves will occur more frequently as a result of the higher earth temperature. In addition, melting ice caps are expected to cause sea levels to rise by up to one meter by 2100. Flooding, devastation, food shortages and species extinction are also direct consequences of global warming. In addition, access to clean drinking water will become increasingly precarious. As a result, climate-related migration movements are becoming a global challenge. In view of these prospects, climate researchers are calling for swift action: If we reduce our CO2 emissions by 40 to 70 percent by 2050 and to zero by 2100, global warming can still be limited to 2 degrees Celsius.
Vision Europa 2040
Vision Europa 2040
In a Europe of 2040, we will be in a united community with a central government. The political parties will each have joined together to form a European party, and the parliament will be led by the Volt Party. The electrical energy required for industry, households and transportation will come from renewable sources. Electric cars will be charged inductively in a few seconds at special points.
Changement de fonction du parlement européen
Changement de fonction du parlement européen
By 2040, Europe would need to establish secure borders to prevent the massive arrival of migrants, who are very costly for the countries they settle in. We also need to review and harmonize agricultural standards across Europe, since each country has different standards. We also need to standardize European VAT, and above all let each country's government run its own country, rather than Europe, which favors certain countries.
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