The sun rises over Gothenburg as my smart home opens the windows to let in the fresh sea breeze. The streets are silent—self-driving electric vehicles glide noiselessly. I take a shower where water is recycled in real time and dress in biodegradable clothing. My work takes place in a virtual space with colleagues from across Europe, where AI translates everything instantly. After work, I walk along the Lindholmen waterfront, where old industrial buildings have turned into vertical gardens. The air is clean, and green spaces have replaced parking lots. In the evening, I vote in a digital citizen meeting via blockchain technology. As I look out over the Älvsborg Bridge under a starry sky, I feel grateful. Europe has changed—more sustainable, more just, and more connected than ever.

I hope life is more hopeful. There is peace in Europe and everyone is striving for a cleaner and more liveable life. A lot of AI assistance is used and a decent life is guaranteed for children and the elderly. Good education is available to all children and alternative technologies are used to produce energy. A large part of business tourism has been replaced by virtual communication. A large part of defence spending is related to space technologies. The standard of living of Europe's poor money will converge and a common effort will be made to protect Europe. Besides metropolitan areas, life in rural areas is also starting to grow, investments are planned so that each region can deal with the works that would make the most sense for that region. For every person in need of care, it is possible to stay in a care institution and medical care, including specialised medical care and medicines, would be available to everyone in need. What good are new expensive medicines if only the richest in the world can buy them? Basic needs such as shelter and food should be guaranteed. What good is sorting garbage if there is war in Europe, what harm is it doing to our planet?

From today's perspective, a utopia. A peaceful Europe in which everyone can be free, regardless of religion, origin, gender or sexual orientation. An environmentally conscious Europe, free from fossil and nuclear energy sources. An independent Europe that is not dependent on the world, free from capitalism and favoritism. A Europe in which community and togetherness is the highest good and everyone receives an equal, independent education.

It's all very well to dream of a better future when everything just keeps getting worse. But let's say it were possible. Such a world would see no more war. No more poverty. Pollution would be under control. And above all, people would be respectful of their neighbors.