Taken together, these areas provide a framework for ensuring that Europe is prepared for the coming decades, while seizing new opportunities. Strategic foresight is not about predicting or discovering the future. It is about preparing the European Union. It is the discipline of exploring different possible future developments, including the challenges and opportunities they may present, in a way that helps shape a preferred future.
The European Commission has published the updated report “Resilience 2.0”, a long-term strategy that aims to prepare Europe for future challenges in the areas of artificial intelligence, climate change, technology and security, as well as to protect democratic values and demographic challenges. Commissioner Glenn Micallef, responsible for Intergenerational Justice, said that “Resilience 2.0” is not just a slogan, but a task to strengthen Europe’s ability to adapt and defend democracy in a changing world. The report, which covers a 15-25 year horizon, focuses on eight key areas to strengthen the resilience of the European Union, including security, technology, economic development and the protection of democracy.
According to sources from Brussels, the EU must change its approach from crisis response to a preventive and proactive strategy, preparing for unknown challenges and aiming for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Close cooperation between Member States is also in focus, through meetings of dedicated ministers for the future and working groups that help shape long-term policies. “Resilience 2.0” aims to ensure that Europe is prepared for the coming decades and benefits from the new opportunities brought by global development.
According to Commissioner Micallef: “Resilience is not a slogan. Resilience is our duty to the next generation. We will strengthen Europe’s ability to adapt to change, to defend our democracy and to stand strong and credible in a world of shifting forces. That is why we propose a new concept of “resilience”. Resilience 2.0 means being proactive, transformative and forward-thinking. It is about “preparing for the unknown, even the unimaginable”. The 2025 report identifies eight areas of action where Europe can strengthen its resilience:
- Building a global vision for the EU as a strong, stable and reliable domestic and global partner.
- Strengthening internal and external security with a technology-smart approach.
- Harnessing the power of technology and research to support prosperity and values.
- Strengthening long-term economic resilience to withstand shocks and support growth.
- Supporting sustainable and inclusive prosperity as part of the European social model.
- Redefining education and skills to prepare for technological change.
- Protecting democracy, media freedom and social cohesion, while simultaneously combating disinformation.
- Anticipating demographic transformation and promoting intergenerational justice.
Taken together, these areas provide a framework for ensuring that Europe is prepared for the coming decades, while seizing new opportunities. Strategic foresight is not about predicting or discovering the future. It is about preparing the European Union. It is the discipline of exploring different possible future developments, including the challenges and opportunities they may present, in a way that helps shape a preferred future.
To achieve this, it harnesses collective intelligence in a structured and systematic manner. Strategic foresight aims to integrate such knowledge into policymaking, strategic planning, and preparation.
