In 2040, climate change is no no longer the biggest issue humanity is facing. Waste is sorted and recycled by the same rules in every European country and is no longer just burned, dumped to a landfill or sent over to third world countries. People, including companies, know there are limited resources, value them and use them in a sustainable way. Food is no longer wasted in stores, items with best before etc. dates are not considered trash but still a valuable product that people in true need can have access to. Also fabrics can be recycled or repurposed.

I would like to see a Europe that is finally united, speaking with one, unanimous voice at international tables. That dares to stand up to the U.S. that thinks it owns the world. In which civil rights are assured for all. A Europe that is much greener and mindful of future generations. A Europe that does not repudiate progress and respects traditions. A secular Europe.

The present future will look different from this time. I envision people all driving electric. Internal combustion engine vehicles will be a thing of the past. We will hardly be able to imagine its existence anymore. Furthermore, the crypto currency will take its place in society even more. Current banks will disappear even more from the streetscape with their ATMs. Mailboxes will no longer be there at all, because all mail will go digital. It will no longer be possible to send a physical letter. People will have only a smartwatch instead of a smartphone. The phone will be integrated into a smartwatch, so the combination will no longer be necessary to link it together. Calls, texts, apps, Internet browsing will all go through the smartwatch. The smartwatch will also increasingly assume its position. And the also in schools nothing will be put on paper with pen anymore. Everything will then be digital. Finally, AI has taken ground in a way that people find it normal. At the front desk at government buildings, people are no longer addressed by a physical person, but by smart computers people are received, checked, authorized and admitted. Employees are recognized by finger, hand or eye scans and no more passes or tags.

A world where AI has done away with repetitive tasks, and where the economy can generate a decent universal income. People only work on well-paid assignments by choice. As a result, voluntary work has grown, as have leisure activities for all.