I choose to speak about a happy 2040 and not about the one I fear. If we have progressed on a path of sustainable development, it is due to far better connections between top down and bottom up processes. So far, these connections are very scarce. Decision makers at the international levels are not aware of the most pressing challenges at the local levels and vice-versa. This creates at all levels the wrong perceptions linked to "complotism" in general. The main cause of this dialogues de sourds between local and global levels of policy-making is the hierarchy between economic, social and environmental goals, actors and processes. The borders between economics, social sciences and environmental sciences and the lack of transdisciplinary culture are largely responsible for this lack of mutual understanding and consideration. My hope is that in 2040 the borders between these political and scientific silos will be replaced by an overall focus on the difference between bottom up (cacophony of actors) and top down (hierarchy of institutions with economic ones at the top) actions and the elaboration of instruments which are needed to interconnect them.

My Europe in 2040 feels a bit like the Jetsons but in green & European: society has embraced further digitization without losing touch of the humane aspect and despite of costs, managed to make a switch in climate policy during the last 20 years. Streets and gardens show a variety of plants with some insects happily buzzing around. Though welcomed in the beginning, electric cars will still have to adhere to the true heroes of the street: pedestrians and bikers. Cafés have wonderful terraces inviting people to enjoy life in the city, town or village. Trains are connecting Europe better and quicker, not just between capitals but also between towns. People have European passports but then again, showing these for travelling are not necessarily needed as freedom of movement is enjoyed across the Union. Europe just passed a political milestone by adopting a European constitution and by officially becoming a federal state. The elections of the European Parliament who by now can also submit legislative proposals have become quite contended, as citizens from Norway over the United Kingdom to Cyprus were able to watch debates, inform themselves of the different parties and vote for any European. Similarly, news covers European politics as soon as you switch on your screen. When teachers explain to their students in European civic education class that the elections used to limit themselves only to candidates from one country, they're met with bewildered confusion. People grow up learning their mother tongue and English, and many speak more - the multilingual way of living is something that attracts many people to live in Europe.

In 2040 Europe is a strong, interconnected and socially just union of smartly specialised states. It has its focus on sustainable technological solutions and on a new economic system, taking into consideration social basic needs of its citizens as well as environmental boundaries. West Balkan countries are members of the union and immigration is fairly treated among all members. Integration is based on increased education and a basic income. New jobs have been created in the digitalised and green economy and unemploymend among young people is decreased to a minimum.

I imagine a future where the European Union is at the forefront of ensuring human rights and a decent quality of life. Cooperation between countries in many regions such as research, education, defence and security, tackling global challenges (such as climate change) will be improved and deepened. In general, it will appear more frequently with one voice in foreign policy, but diversity will be respected.