Year 2030. The European Union (EU) has almost recovered from the economic, political and social crisis it endured over the 2010’s decade. Unemployment rates have been decreasing since 2023, the EU’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing at constant pace, regional economic imbalances have been reduced (particularly those existing between Mediterranean and North European countries) and, above all, the European identity and the feeling of belonging to the community have been restored.

Currently, the EU’s economy is being renovated with the implementation of new reforms. Nevertheless, the main objective of Europe’s economic policy remains the same since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty (1992): to ensure that economic liberalisation creates greater equality rather than inequality by reducing regional differences. As a matter of fact, each year the EU allocates a larger portion of its budget for alleviating the existing imbalances among European countries.

Moreover, one of the principal goals of the EU is to maintain a stable, balanced economy. Hence, new measures have been introduced in order to prevent countries from getting dramatically into huge debt. For instance, the European Parliament has approved several laws which establish that there should be a suitable, effective and efficient fiscal control over the EU’s economy. To do so, a new supranational institution has been recently created: the European Economic Regulation Commission (EERC), which is in charge of designing and implementing the legal framework required to regulate the EU’s financial transactions and to control and monitor these.

Finally, to guarantee that the EU’s economy continues being a competitive, growing one the EU is fostering investment in education and Research and Development (R&D). It is also building new and expanding the existing transport infrastructures. Presently, the reduction of the 53% dependence on energy imports is another significant goal of the EU. Therefore, the development of Europe’s sustainable energetic resources is actively promoted in order to augment the EU’s energetic efficiency.

Concerning public opinion about the EU, a poll conducted by the Euro barometer showed that 45% of the Europeans believed the EU is beneficial and advantageous for their respective countries in contrast with the 20% that supported the opposite 2nd Prize point of view (Unclear answers [35%] were not included in the results). Although these statistics are not as positive as the ones recorded in 2006 (56% Advantageous,14% Disadvantageous), they are still much better than the data from 2016 ( 30 % Advantageous-37% Disadvantageous). According to experts, the EU is recovering the credibility it lost during the 2010’s crisis.

With regard to social issues the main problem in Europe is an increasing intolerance towards foreigners and, especially, ethnic minorities. As a result, strict measures have been implemented to integrate this people. Thereby, radio and TV Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaigns have been launched aiming citizens to become aware of their unacceptable, Anti-Human-Rights behaviour. This initiative has proven to be considerably effective inasmuch as the levels of xenophobia within Europe have drastically diminished since its implementation.

However, we cannot forget the aforementioned improvements and achievements would not have been possible without political agreement among the EU’s countries. Crisis would never be overcome if the governments had not put aside differences and had started working together for united Europe, both economically and politically. This process of political cooperation requires a strong will, hard work and, above all, communication and understanding. Thus, we, Europeans, must acknowledge and appreciate the enormous effort that has been made by our leaders, people who are entirely devoted to the tough task of governing our esteemed European Union.

This portrait of Europe in 2030 is nothing else but this, a mere portrait. Nonetheless, it is in our hands to make this become real. To do so, we need to keep in mind the foundation stone of the European Union, its motto: In varietate concordia (United in diversity). If we are able to understand that we will only be capable of accomplishing our goals by acknowledging and admitting our differences instead of constantly attempting to impose our opinion or culture upon the other’s, then we will be able to create, develop and preserve a flawless society in which people could live peacefully for good.