Europe 2050

Perspectives for Europe 2050

What will a liberal Europe look like in 2050? How can we shape our continent’s future to reflect the values of freedom, democracy, and prosperity?

Our world is changing rapidly and looking ahead has never been more vital. As we approach 2050, Europe stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape not just our institutions and societies, but our shared future as a liberal, democratic continent. The path forward will require innovative thinking, tough conversations, and a bold commitment to liberal values.

As part of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Europe's (FNF Europe) flagship initiative Project Europe 2050  we are calling for original, visionary essays that explore what Europe could and should look like in 25 years. This special collection, Perspectives for Europe 2050, will be published in Autumn 2025.

We welcome contributions from thinkers of all ages, from seasoned experts to passionate newcomers. Whether you want to paint the big picture across politics, economics, society, or culture, or focus on a specific challenge or innovation, we want to hear your vision for a liberal Europe.

Why this matters

Project Europe 2050 is the innovation platform of FNF Europe. Our concept is built around a vision of a free, inclusive, and globalized Europe, a continent that upholds the rule of law, promotes sustainable solutions, and defends liberty for all its citizens.

As a complement to our recent report, Grand Challenges for Europe 2050, this essay series will address some of the continent’s most pressing dilemmas, from energy and resource management to social justice, inclusion, and democratic renewal. We're looking for forward-thinking proposals that offer creative, liberal responses to these challenges, and that help shape a Europe capable of inspiring future generations.

What’s in it for you?

• Authors of the 4–5 selected essays will receive a €1,000 award
• Your work will be published as part of a prestigious, widely distributed collection
• The essay will be visually interpreted by artists, adding a powerful creative dimension to each vision
• Contribute to a key debate shaping Europe’s liberal future

What we’re looking for

• Essays of 12,000–25,000 characters (approx. 4–6 pages)
• Fresh, liberal perspectives on Europe in 2050
• Proposals of up to 1,000 characters: give us your best, most focused idea
• Submissions in English or German

Important deadlines

• Proposal deadline: 15 July 2025 (max. 1,000 characters) send to to brussels@freiheit.org
• Notification of selected contributors: within one week
• Final essays due: 5 September 2025

⚠️ Note: Please do not send full essays at this stage. Proposals longer than 1,000 characters will not be considered. We shall inform the ten winners within one week that they will be commissioned with the writing of an essay based on their proposal. The four or five best essays will be selected for publication and will be awarded €1000 each. We accept contributions from Germany and other EU member states, from wider Europe, and from outside Europe. Let’s imagine a Europe where freedom thrives — and build a vision bold enough to get us there.

Share your vision. Shape the future. Join Project Europe 2050.