I wake up with the usual burning in my throat. The air here in Milan is unbreathable, full of fine dust. The window is closed, but the smell of burnt plastic still manages to filter through. It has not rained as it used to for years, and when it does, the water is acidic. I take the filter mask and go down to the street. There are no more electric buses or public bicycles: After the 2038 energy crisis, public transport collapsed and only those who can afford the black market for fuel still drive. Through the city between abandoned buildings and advertising screens that broadcast propaganda. Since the European Union crumbled, trade wars between the new micro-nations have continued. I arrive at the office, a semi-empty skyscraper. Much of the work is now automated, and those who remain cling desperately to a measly salary. We all know that the future will not improve, but no one has the strength to fight anymore.

On 1 January 2040, Europe came to the end of becoming a federated state. A model close to that of the USA. It's time. Russia is increasingly threatening. Putin has disappeared but his successor is on the same trip. War is at our doorstep and we have finally come to understand that unity is strength. This has not been understood by Belgian politicians. As a result, Belgium is brain dead. And conquering Flanders is in the process of understanding that only it no longer matters. Division destroys. Yet there has been a good example with Brexit. Hoping that the Russians will understand that this time they would not be the most numerous. Well, let's hope it gets better now and that the United States of Europe is really going to do something.

I would like a future where racism, homophobia, transphobia, and so on dont exist; where you can be who you want and love who you want; where we care about our planet, and our future; a future where billionaires no longer exist; That is what I wish the future to be; however i don’t believe that’s the future we ‘ll have

In 2040, we will probably have exclusively renewable energy, only electric cars and enough charging stations to ensure that charging is fast and efficient. Electricity prices have fallen to a low level, so the climate can slowly recover. There are still debates in the Bundestag because the contrasts between left and right are too great and the conservative center has declined sharply. All in all, not that much has changed in the last 15 years.