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I hope my grandkids listen in disbelief about my tales of the past

Anonymous

March 19, 2025

I hope my grandkids listen in disbelief about my tales of the past

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I woke up this morning and stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air—cleaner than it had been in decades. I walked to the neighborhood market, where fresh affordable produce from local farms was abundantly available thanks to Europe’s 2030 policy on increasing subsidies for farmers so they get a fair price and not have to pass the increase on to the consumer

My grand children played nearby with their pals from all different backgrounds, chatting effortlessly in multiple languages thanks to the continued EU Education Initiatives that make multilingual learning and culture projects free and accessible, fostering deeper understanding across nations.

I meet my elderly parents for coffee, they are both in their 80s and in good health thanks to the eu wide shared health system that meant they could go to Europe for treatment and not sit for years on eating lists in ireland. They pay for their coffees using Universal Living Credit—a system introduced in 2041 to ensure financial stability for all citizens.

We talk about life in general and about the news story of the day which is the anniversary of the day in 2026 that the EU finally stood up to Trump and Netanyahu, leading to a free Palestine and the downfall of the trump administration and his eventual incarceration.

My three adult children join us for lunch as they are on a day off thanks to the EU four-day workweek policy. They talk excitedly about their plans for their new homes which they can easily afford because of house price control policies and decent salaries. I tell them horror stories about rent prices and homeless rates when they were babies, they don’t believe me.

When I returned home that evening, me and my husband make plans for a trip to our second home in Spain later in the month. Later that evening our Ukrainian neighbors and fellow EU citizens stop by for a visit. I’m glad that in 2050, Europe isn’t just a continent; it’s a home for all.

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The works will be accessible remotely and lively according to their desire, the work will be creative, because monotony and repetitive works will be taken over by technological solutions, transport will be autonomous and only enthusiasts will drive their cars for entertainment, world peace and conflicts will be managed expeditiously and safely - the environment will be monitored everywhere, people will be identified. This is a bit more complicated in terms of privacy, but everything will be arranged in such a way that it will not be abused.
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After graduation I decided to stay here at my home, I remember very well when my parents were forced to choose between a better quality of life, and the most dear affections such as family and roots. Today fortunately it is no longer so, I can safely decide to carry out my profession in any European state and receive the same salary, but above all to be sure that the quality of my life will be the same everywhere. My technical knowledge is equally recognized, and the chances of making a career (while still wanting to start a family) are the same, I just have to decide if I want to stay here or start a new adventure. When I talk about it with mine, I see their eyes become shiny, because they know that anyway I will be happy and I will not have remorse not having to accept compromises. Today I witness many acquaintances who (even if in the last years of work) return to where they were born, will retire and will be serene. It's great to be able to decide: If you're a traveler and you don't have to become one.
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