The EU has expanded by a few more member countries compared to now. These include Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. Through decisive joint action by the EU countries, Russia has given up its imperialist ambitions, the members of the old fascist regime have been convicted of their atrocities and the country has embarked on a journey towards democracy, and several free elections with real opportunities for the people of Russia to choose between different political orientations have been held. Xenophobia has disappeared and the former far-right parties attract so few voters that they are not represented in any parliament. There are now safe asylum routes into the EU and, while not all refugees are allowed to stay, they are seen as potential resources rather than likely problems.
Politicians of different parties have started to listen to science again and, while not all is well, our carbon footprint has been reduced and global warming has started to slow down. Working together in the EU was a major contributing factor.