It is 2040, and the skies are filled with drones navigating the city with precision. Buildings are now no longer stone blocks, but living structures that adapt to the weather and the needs of their inhabitants. I am standing on a rooftop terrace, where green roofs and vertical gardens extend into the sky. This was not always the case. Between 2025 and 2050, we addressed the massive climate crisis by embracing clean energy on a large scale and transforming cities into self-sufficient oases.

In the future, I see Europe as a continent that combines innovation, sustainability and social justice. A strong European community that transcends national borders and promotes genuine cooperation would be desirable. Economically, Europe should be a leader in renewable energy, sustainable technology and fair digitalization. Green cities with emission-free mobility and environmentally friendly architecture could shape everyday life. At the same time, Europe remains a center for education and research that offers young people first-class opportunities. Politically, I would like to see a Europe that resolutely defends human rights, democracy and freedom of expression. A stronger European identity could help to overcome nationalism and strengthen social cohesion.

My 2040 is a time when European countries have come closer together and become safer for their citizens. With clear defense, crime and immigration policies that all countries follow and contribute to, this has been achieved. Europe is united around the Christian faith that permeates society. Politically and religiously motivated crime has fallen sharply, along with other crime, and citizens live in a much safer time.

During this time, people's transportation problem is solved. Around the world, local public transport has been extended to villages and is free for everyone. The means of transportation are all emission-free and private transport mostly consists of self-driving electric cars that can be booked by other people via an app when they are not being used by their owners. CO2 emissions have been reduced to a minimum by using renewable energies as an adequate source of energy in all sectors of life.