After the next elections in the European Union in 2029, national parties took power. This resulted in a retreat from the leftist and Europe-destroying regulations promoted by previous governments. An end was put to excessive fiscalism, the green deal. The greater importance of nation-states was restored, and the European Union once again became mainly a trade and economic community. Thanks to reforms reducing labor and business costs, moving away from pseudo-environmentalism, and devoting large funds to research and development, the economy in Europe began to grow again. These measures attracted technology companies and startups, and the continent once again began to compete with the economies of the United States and Asia. At the same time, strict laws against illegal migration were introduced, and external borders were sealed. Illegal migrants have been expelled outside Europe, while at the same time all legal migrants in case of conflict with the law are automatically barred and expelled outside Europe. This has significantly increased security - especially in Western European countries.

I am absolutely sure that I will not live in 2040 because I would be 92 years old. I don't want to get that old, especially if I don't know what I'm doing anymore or if I'm bedridden sick. However, if I were to be healthy and mentally clear and lively, I would be very pleased. The world as it will be will have changed. The AI will be found in all areas, this is partly already true today and this development will spread rapidly, mostly positively. Cars with petrol or diesel drive, as they drive on our roads today, there will probably no longer be only e-mobility and CO2 neutral vehicles will be on the road. Climate change will have advanced further, a winter as I still know it today, with snow, there will be no more in 2040. Even winter clothing is probably no longer needed, there will then only be temperatures like in the current spring, summer and autumn.

The planet is saved. Global warming has been curbed. Peace reigns on earth because countries have chosen to help each other instead of fighting. Our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy pleasant living conditions. Endangered animal species are no longer threatened.

In 2040, all people are finally equal. Everyone is individual and yet everyone is seen primarily as a human being and treated with respect. All children can achieve anything. No matter what gender they are, what skin color they have, where they come from and whether they have a disability or not. They all have the same opportunities, no obstacles are put in their way and they can pursue their dreams without being judged by others. Everyone is allowed to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't harm anyone. Everyone is allowed to love and be with whoever they want. Everyone has free access to education, assistance and medical care. Public transport is free for everyone. No one has to live in poverty or fear poverty in old age. All adults can vote as soon as they have lived in a country for 5 years, regardless of their nationality. There are no more stateless people, as it is easier to obtain citizenship, even without valid identity documents. Language courses are free, as is civil courage training. Crimes against people (such as sexualized violence and racism, ableism and queerophobia) are punished more severely than crimes against property such as theft. Women's shelters and other protective facilities are free of charge. There is enough psychological support for all people. All people can work what they want and what suits their talents and their work is valued. Everyone can make a living from their work. Care work is also remunerated and counted towards pensions. The data gaps on marginalized groups such as POC and women and trans people are reduced, medicines are optimized for all people and all needs are considered in urban planning and security facilities. People with disabilities are finally no longer marginalized but seen as full and equal human beings. Nobody earns a million or more a year. Tax money is used for everyone. Animals are no longer seen and exploited as commodities but as living beings with feelings. There are no more zoos or circuses with animals, only extensive reserves/animal parks. Vegan diets are promoted and subsidized. Climate justice is jointly pursued and declared a priority. Colonialism is reappraised, combated and included in the curriculum, just like the Holocaust. Colonial crimes are paid for with reparations and there is a European strategy to deal with and prevent racism and other forms of discrimination. This would be a world where I would worry less about having children and grandchildren.