Perhaps this postcard from 2045 tells us less about the future than about what we miss or fear losing, today: time, attention, belonging, surprise and confidence.

From pilot projects to big bets: how a more strategic and risk-taking Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) could turn Europe’s budget into an engine of transformation.

The EU's north-eastern border is facing insecurity and transformation. Three scenarios explore how resilience, cooperation and a shared vision could influence its future.

What role do small projects play in European territorial cooperation? The appeal lies in the type of collaboration they enable. That is why we should see more of them.

In the proposed EU budget for 2028–34, the term 'Important Projects of Common European Interest' (IPCEIs) appears at various points: A good reason to take a closer look.

Persistent regional gaps call for smarter policies: a case for strengthening place-based and anticipatory policymaking - also in the debate about EU funds after 2027.

How can Europe govern emerging tech and transformative disruptions before it’s too late? Anticipatory governance offers tools for bold, ethical & place-sensitive action.

Interreg Alpine Space has a strong portfolio of circular economy projects that show how regional cooperation can translate vision into action and what can be learnt.

How differ bio-solutions from the bioeconomy, ecosystem services, or nature-based solutions? How can they transform nature into a driving force for sustainable growth?

The MMF 2028-34 proposal pushes NRP plans. These could transform EU funding or sideline cohesion. Robust partnerships, territorial logic and a long-term vision are vital.

Let's take a step back from political feasibility & institutional constraints to explore what a radically different cohesion policy might look like: 4 provocative ideas.

The 40th anniversary provides an opportunity for celebration. It is also a call to action to defend the vision of a Europe without borders.

The EU is at a crossroads. Is it just a market, or is it a community that works together to share values? It needs a shared vision about what it should do and why.

The concept of trans-regional circularity is emerging. These hubs could facilitate the transition from fragmented efforts to systemic and scalable circular solutions.

Skills shortage is a pressing structural challenges in the EU. A Union of Skills could be a game changer for individuals and regions seeking to escape the talent trap.

Cohesion policy faces a pivotal moment as discussions on the next EU budget unfold. Several bifurcation points could shape its evolution or transformation beyond 2027.

How fair is the green transition? The European Fair Transition Observatory could be a step towards a more evidence-based and territorially sensitive green transition.

How fair is the green transition? The European Fair Transition Observatory could be a step towards a more evidence-based and territorially sensitive green transition.

Territorial scenarios can help us move from being informed to being able to change the future through our actions. They link possible futures and territorial realities.

To make an effective contribution to Europe's future, cohesion policy must clearly demonstrate how it delivers benefits for all. It must meet 5 criteria or objectives.

Integrating territorial cohesion into the European Semester could improve policy coordination & address regional disparities more effectively. This idea is controversial.

Post-truth narratives seem to increasingly dominate social and political debates. Could an AI-powered equivalent of the national encyclopaedias of the past help?

The Territorial Thinkers argue for the need to redefine and re-establish cohesion as a central concept in addressing the major challenges facing Europe today.

Post-truth narratives seem to increasingly dominate social and political debates. Could an AI-powered equivalent of the national encyclopaedias of the past help?

The fourth post in the series on possible positive future narratives focuses on rediscovering the importance of sound evidence to escape populist Pied Pipers.

Cross-border energy communities are a transformative approach to energy transition in border regions. Find out more about them, their benefits and how to go about.

The third post on possibilities for positive future narratives focuses on the rediscovery of details, local action and personal responsibility in a complex world.

The sectoral approach scenario offers a glimpse of a future where EU policies prioritise efficiency & performance, but struggle to address regional & social disparities.

Imagine an integrated approach. How could different EU and national policies be coordinated to achieve common goals, in particular to reduce regional disparities?

The proposal for 27 national plans offers opportunities to streamline EU policies and improve their coherence across sectors, but it needs a strong territorial dimension.

In the second issue of our series exploring different possibilities for positive future narratives, we focus on the idea of a democratic spring in Europe.

The West is losing its global dominance. But this transition does not have to mean decline and misery. It must redefine its role in a multipolar world.

Over the coming months, we explore different possible avenues for positive future narratives. First comes the European island of happiness, with a focus on well-being.