A green, peaceful and connected Europe

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.