Youth optimism about the future is collapsing. Growing up in a world shaped by social media, young people increasingly see the world through a lens of crisis, making positive narratives hard to build. Yet imagining a positive future creates hope and inspires action. We believe that young people should have a say in shaping that future, and in defining what Europe could look like by 2040.
Imagining positive futures creates pathways to a better tomorrow
Young people’s confidence in the future has declined significantly in recent years. According to the Finnish Youth Barometer, optimism about the future fell in 2025 by more than 20 percentage compared with the year 2021. Environmental crises, climate change, and the gap between political promises and concrete action are key reasons for this decline. Rebuilding confidence requires positive yet realistic visions that recognise today’s challenges while showing that better futures remain possible.
To bring hope for the future, Young Energy Ambassador Kaneli Seppänen started Finnish Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 project. She wanted to hear the answer from the youth itself: what would the European Union look like in 2040 if everything went well?
The vision was created during spring 2026 through monthly workshops and lectures supported by climate and energy professionals. It was developed and written by 15 Finnish young people, who were selected for the process based on their motivation to drive change. The final product, the vision, was presented in May at an event in Finland, which was opened by Finnish Minister of Climate and Energy Sari Multala. In June, the group visited Brussels and presented the vision to EU officials. The trip was supported by Member of European Parliament Ville Niinistö. The group has communicated the vision at different political levels, both nationally and in the EU context, and it has been well received and act as an inspiration to many stakeholders.
The vision of a Europe that works for current and future generations is built around three guiding themes: security, the green transition and social justice. It combines evidence-based thinking, creativity and intergenerational responsibility.
A reliable, just and secure society
Under the theme of security, the vision imagines a democratic, resilient and inclusive European Union where climate, energy and security policies are closely connected. Security is understood broadly: it includes reliable information, protected human rights, climate resilience, preparedness for geopolitical risks and a fossil-free energy system that strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy.
By 2040, communities, infrastructure, healthcare systems, food production and water management are better prepared for future shocks. A decentralised, interconnected and emissions-free energy system gives citizens and communities a stronger role in producing and managing clean energy.
A green transition within planetary boundaries
The vision sees the European Union in 2040 as climate-positive, energy self-sufficient and resilient. Renewable energy, electrification and green hydrogen have replaced fossil fuels, while circular economy solutions reduce waste and resource use. Nature and biodiversity are recovering through ecosystem restoration, sustainable food systems and better land use.
In this future, the green transition has strengthened Europe’s competitiveness and quality of life while ensuring that economic activity stays within planetary boundaries.
A building a better future for generations to come
The third theme focuses on intergenerational justice. By 2040, Europe recognises the protection of future generations as both a moral and political responsibility. Young people take an active role in democracy, long-term thinking is embedded in public debate, and environmental limits guide policy decisions.
Progress in reducing emissions is fair, managed and socially supported, ensuring that today’s decisions do not shift risks and costs onto future generations.
A sustainable, secure and just future is possible
By linking climate action, energy transformation, security, social justice and intergenerational responsibility, the Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 offers a roadmap for a better future. Above all, it reminds decision-makers that young people are not only future citizens: they are already shaping Europe today. The choices made now will determine the quality of life for generations to come.
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About the author
This vision was developed by Kaneli Seppänen, Young Energy Ambassador 2025 and Senior EU Policy Advisor at Finnish Energy. She coordinated the voluntary project underneath the Young Energy Ambassador 2025-2026 -mandate, together with three Finnish energy and climate experts. The ideas and writing work was done by a multidisciplinary group of 15 Finnish young people, among them Lisa Ulvila.
About EUSEW
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. EUSEW 2026 marked the 20th edition. EUSEW organises a series of activities that bring together the community of people who care about building a secure and clean energy future for the next generations.
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Disclaimer: This article is a contribution from a partner. All rights reserved.
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the information in the article. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position.
- Publication date
- 27 August 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency