Based on an expert-led, cross-sectoral foresight process, this report presents global trends, uncertainties and choices that will shape Europe’s future. The report provides the context for possible policy responses linked to resilience as a new compass for EU policymaking.

It identifies important structural global trends towards 2050 that will affect the EU’s capacity and freedom to act: climate change and other environmental challenges; digital hyperconnectivity and technological transformations; pressure on democracy and values; shifts in the global order and demography. Moreover, it sets out ten areas in which the EU could strengthen its open strategic autonomy and global leadership. Finally, the report stresses that the EU’s future capacity and freedom to act will depend on whether the EU is able to make ambitious choices today, guided by its values and interests, across the identified policy areas.

The Communication builds on the Joint Research Centre (JRC)’s ‘science for ‘Shaping & securing the EU’s Open Strategic Autonomy by 2040 and beyond’.