The year is 2040, and education had become the great equalizer. Little Annie walked into her history class—not a room with desks and a chalkboard, but a virtual reality simulation. Today, she would step into the streets of 18th-century Africa, witnessing the struggle against European colonialism. As she observed the cries of starving citizens and the decisions of the European monarchy and politicians, she understood history not as a list of events but as a lesson in cause and effect. After class, she met with her tutor, who analyzed her strengths and suggested a civic engagement project: designing a campaign to combat misinformation. Every student in her school participated in real-world problem-solving, ensuring they left not just with knowledge, but with the skills to apply it. Annies world was one where ignorance had no power. She and her peers were raised to think critically, question authority, and build a future where history’s mistakes would never be repeated.

In 2040, Europe found democratic decision-making paths that all citizens take with them and address. The European Union has withdrawn as many regulatory areas, leaving enough room for national states and regions to develop in their respective political and social cultures. Reducing the strict regulation of the economy and social systems creates space for self-responsibility and prosperity gains. The family retains its importance as the nucleus of society. The center political parties recognized this liberal restraint after the turbulent 2020s and regained voters from the extreme parties through a program with "less state" and a departure from leftist paternalism ideology. The lower tax and regulatory burden allows the economy to keep up with more advanced economies such as China or the US. Europe has also recognized militarily that it must be able to act independently. In summary, the state institutions should focus on core tasks such as defence to the outside world and security and order inside.

In 2040, I see the earth from my heaven. I'm glad I don't have to be in that reality as life on earth has evolved. all the wars that raged on earth have destroyed cities and the earth so it's not possible to recognize the nature and communities that existed in 2025. There are not so many people on earth because they are dead, either by war or starvation. But the earth remains and people try to build their lives based on the conditions that exist. They grow , trying to find seeds from plants that are edible and nourishing. There are some people who still have knowledge of medicinal plants and edible plants. The knowledge of how to prepare and treat the plants is also available. There are not so many wild animals, you try to help the animals survive. The animals can provide food for the people, and also heat. The homes are cold and you have to burn to keep warm and cook. The water needs to be boiled and strained to be drinkable, there are only a few sources where fresh water is available to fetch. cohesion between people and the different communities formed must be based on community and helping each other. The key to survival is to have cohesion and community. There are leaders who have a foundation to stand on that makes them good leaders, and who do not seek division, it is a prerequisite for the survival of man.

A Europe of the future should be framed in a world at peace, free from far-right extremism (which is currently undermining global democracies) and closer to Asia and Africa than it is today. America is a powerful ally, but we are not its servants. In addition, Europe should lead migration policies that allow us to have a young and strong workforce, able to compete in all markets. Within the UN, Europe must be the main voice that rises up against all dictatorships and authoritarianism, creating a stream of progress that takes us away from visionaries close to fascism, such as Trump, Milei, Bolsonaro, etc., no matter how much they have been elected at the polls. Finally, Europe must stop shearing the African continent, leaving behind the colonialisms of the nineteenth century and resolutely support the countries that are mired in poverty for decades, precisely because of European policies.