THE OLD CONTINENT FACING A NEW ORDER

Abstract

The period 2010-2030 in Europe passed without major disasters. Europe
stabilised and retained its global political influence and sustained the economic
vitality. Though it suffered serious losses; mostly in environmental and societal
dimensions. Vast areas of once cultural countryside have turned into deserted
landscapes. Water shortages and declined biodiversity damage both the society
and economy. Cities are crowded, with loosening social control. Middle classes
are heavily deprived. The common rationality and European art of reflection
survived, however they are shared by fewer people and groups than decades ago.