Introduction
Since the end of World War II in 1945, Europe has undergone profound technological and social changes—mostly for the better. Nevertheless, populists often paint a bleak picture and glorify the “good old days” to stoke pessimism. A realistic look at the facts, however, shows that people in Europe today are far better off in many respects than they were 80 years ago. From the longest period of peace in European history to an enormous economic boom and improved living standards, health, and social rights, there are numerous reasons for optimism.
This paper aims to counterbalance the culturally pessimistic narrative espoused by many populists —not by sugarcoating the reality, but by presenting a fact-based assessment. Europe is better than its reputation —in almost every area of life. But we also know that ignoring legitimate concerns leaves the field open to the wrong people. That is why we are also discussing security, integration, and the limits of what we can bear.
Optimism does not mean denial—but rather confidence in one’s own ability to find solutions and shape the future.
Peace and Stability in Europe
Following the devastating world wars, Europe ushered in an unprecedented era of peace. Western and Central Europe have not waged war against each other since 1945. This era of peace is often referred to as “Pax Europaea” and is closely linked to European unification: The founding of the European Community—which later became the EU—and NATO made wars between member states virtually impossible. Even the end of the Cold War unfolded largely peacefully in Europe; many formerly dictatorial states in Central and Eastern Europe were able to transition to democracy in the 1990s without plunging into new armed conflicts. Consequently, the European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 for its role as a peace project.
The impact of this enduring peace has been tremendously positive. Generation after generation in Europe has been able to grow up without military service, bombings, or displacement—a situation that would have been unimaginable in earlier centuries. Stability and security form the foundation for prosperity and the ability to shape one’s own life. Where 80 years ago large parts of the continent lay in ruins, European countries now work closely together. Disputes are resolved at the negotiating table, not on battlefields. This historic achievement of peace and stability creates an optimistic outlook for Europe’s future.
But, as Schiller once wrote,“Even the most pious cannot live in peace if it does not please the evil neighbor.” And so even this European model of peace is not immune to external aggression. Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine marks a historic turning point—it shows that authoritarian regimes are willing to use force to violate international law. And the steadily eroding trust in the U.S. under Donald Trump, the rise of right-wing populists in Europe, and the resulting difficulties in decision-making within the EU (keyword: unanimity) do nothing to improve the situation.
On the other hand, crises can also be an opportunity for growth, and Europeans are currently demonstrating that, despite everything, they are still capable of doing so. The European response to the situation proves its strength: never before has there been such unity on sanctions, military aid, and support for Ukraine. Europe recognizes that peace consists not only of good will, but also of deterrence. That is why many countries are now once again investing specifically in defense—not out of aggression, but to protect values such as freedom and security. The source of optimism lies in the fact that Europe does not respond to threats with resignation, but with the ability to act. Putin’s attempts to destroy the European order will fail—because Europe is stronger when it stands united.
Economic Recovery and Standard of Living
Alongside the peace, an unprecedented economic boom began in Europe. The decades following 1945 went down in history as the “golden age of growth ”: The quarter-century after the war is regarded as the most remarkable period of economic growth and social progress in Europe. In fact, production and income multiplied. Between 1950 and 1980 alone, labor productivity in Western Europe roughly quadrupled, and the standard of living rose rapidly—per capita consumption tripled during those three decades (in real terms). This immense increase in prosperity has continued to this day, albeit at a somewhat slower pace. On average, Europeans now have many times the real income they had 80 years ago, which is reflected in a higher standard of living.
Material living conditions have improved significantly. Whereas in the late 1940s many families suffered from deprivation—with food rationing and shortages of goods—today hunger and extreme poverty have virtually disappeared in Europe. The proportion of undernourished people in Europe is less than 2.5% (FAO, 2019), practically at the detection limit. In the postwar years, parts of Europe still suffered from genuine famines, whereas today abundance and dietary diversity are the norm. Household possessions and mobility also clearly illustrate this progress: In the 1950s, only a few European households owned a car, telephone, refrigerator, or washing machine. For example, in 1956 in the United Kingdom, only 22% of households owned a car; today, the figure is about 75% (three out of four households). Similar trends were seen throughout Europe—from private cars and modern household appliances to internet access, things that were once luxuries have now become the norm.
This leap in prosperity was made possible by open markets and European integration. The EU’s single market facilitates trade, creates jobs, and increases the variety of products available to consumers. Europeans today enjoy a high standard of living: access to electricity, heating, running water, modern infrastructure, electronic devices, and an abundance of consumer goods—all of which people could only dream of in the 1940s.
Time prosperity has also increased—people need to spend less of their lives working in order to afford a good standard of living. Between 1950 and today, the average annual working hours per employee in Western Europe have decreased by several hundred hours, allowing for more leisure time and rest. In summary: Europeans today are, on average, wealthier and have more leisure time than any previous generation.
Health and Life Expectancy
This progress is particularly evident in the field of health. Thanks to better medical care, hygiene, nutrition, and prosperity, life expectancy has risen dramatically. In Europe, average life expectancy has increased by about 15–18 years since 1950 —from about 62 years back then to just over 79 years today. Specifically, average life expectancy in Europe rose from about 62 to 79.3 years between 1950 and 2024. A child born today can therefore expect to live many years longer than a child born 80 years ago.
Behind this abstract figure lie enormous improvements: Today, almost all babies and young children survive the dangerous first years of life, whereas in the past, child mortality was a sad reality of everyday life. Worldwide, the proportion of children who die before their 15th birthday has fallen from about 25% in 1950 to just a fraction of that today —in Europe, infant mortality today stands at only about 3–4 per 1,000 births, whereas in the mid-20th century it was still in the double-digit percentage range. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives are now under control or have been eradicated: smallpox has been eliminated worldwide, polio has been eradicated in Europe, and measles, tetanus, diphtheria, and many other infections have been drastically reduced through vaccination programs. Antibiotics, which were only in their infancy during World War II, are now widely available and cure bacterial diseases that were once fatal. Chronic diseases and cancer are also better diagnosed and treated today; the chances of survival for cancer, for example, are significantly higher now than they were a few decades ago.
Not only are people living longer, they are also living healthier lives: Thanks to prosperity and medical advances, Europeans today enjoy more healthy years on average. Improved working conditions and occupational safety have made jobs less life-threatening or harmful to health than they used to be. And established social safety nets—such as universal health insurance, pensions, and long-term care—mitigate many of life’s hardships. Eighty years ago, an illness or inability to work could quickly lead to ruin; today, a comprehensive social safety net protects the vast majority from the worst-case scenario.
Social Progress and Rights
In addition to peace and prosperity, Europe has also experienced democratic and social progress that gives cause for optimism. Eighty years ago, many Europeans suffered under dictatorships or totalitarian regimes—after 1945, initially in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, and until 1990 throughout Eastern Europe. Today, however, nearly all European countries are democracies where citizens can freely elect their governments and express their opinions. Freedom of expression and of the press, the rule of law, and human rights are now firmly established values. The European Convention on Human Rights of 1950 and institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights offer every citizen legal protection that did not exist in this form 80 years ago. Minorities and members of the opposition no longer have to fear for their lives when they voice criticism—a huge difference from the first half of the 20th century.
Much has changed in everyday society as well: Discrimination is actively combated today. Women, who in the 1940s were still legally disadvantaged in many places (e.g., limited access to certain professions, financial dependence on their husbands, and marriage later in life instead of pursuing an education), now have equal legal opportunities and are increasingly participating in all areas of life. Their representation in politics, academia, and leadership positions is steadily increasing. More and more women hold college degrees and have careers—across Europe, women’s labor force participation rose significantly over the course of the 20th century[10]. In the 1950s, married women were often forced out of the workforce; today, it is normal for women to work and be economically independent. Social role models have become much more open.
Other formerly marginalized groups are also experiencing greater equality today: ethnic or religious minorities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community enjoy legal protection against discrimination and have gained greater visibility. For example, 80 years ago, homosexuality was a criminal offense in many European countries—it has since been legalized almost everywhere and is increasingly accepted; in many European countries, same-sex couples can marry and start families, something that seemed unthinkable back then. Overall, European society has become more pluralistic, tolerant, and liberal.
The Merit Principle and Fairness in the Welfare State
Many people feel that the welfare state is reaching its limits—not because it provides too much, but because it no longer distinguishes between providing benefits and denying them. This is a huge problem that is not being adequately addressed by the established parties.
As a general rule , solidarity only works if it is based on reciprocity. The European welfare state is not a one-way street; rather, it thrives on the trust that everyone will contribute to the best of their ability. Those who receive benefits on a long-term basis without making an effort lose that trust—and thereby jeopardize the system. FOKUS stands for a welfare state with clear conditions: supportive, but demanding. Those who need help should receive it—those who abuse the system must face consequences.
Education as a Path to Social Mobility—But Also as a Requirement for Integration
Education plays a key role in matters of solidarity and integration. Certainly, today nearly all young Europeans have access to schooling, and the percentage of people with a high school diploma or college degree has never been higher. Thanks to modern media, knowledge and information are accessible to broad segments of the population, whereas decades ago, higher education was largely reserved for an elite.
But even here, we’ve gone a bit too far with equality. After all, the sharp rise in the percentage of students with a high school diploma and/or a college degree isn’t so much because students today are that much better. Rather, it’s because policymakers, in an effort to “level the playing field,” are constantly lowering the standards required for graduation. This has to change; here, too, hard work must once again pay off.
A good education is the best defense against exclusion, radicalization, and poverty. But it only works if schools are not overburdened. Newcomers to Europe must actively support their children’s learning—language skills, academic performance, and respect for teachers are non-negotiable. In addition, we need targeted integration classes, mandatory language tests, and measures to strengthen the teaching profession—so that education remains a path to advancement rather than an illusion.
A Clear Stance Against Extremism—in Every Direction
Many people feel threatened by both extremes: by right-wing extremism and populism, as well as by a morally exaggerated, unrealistic left-wing idealism. On top of that, the established centrist parties are drifting further and further toward neoliberalism, populism, and left-wing idealism. That is why we need a new political center —and that is why FOKUS exists.
We believe that democracy cannot be taken for granted —it must be protected. Against right-wing incitement, against left-wing trivialization, against religious fanaticism, and against every form of violence. We stand for taking a clear stand against extremism—but also for a tone that argues rather than moralizes. We need a new sense of democratic self-respect—a society that refuses to be intimidated or divided.
Social progress also means affordable housing
Skyrocketing rents, overcrowded neighborhoods, and segregation are real, everyday concerns for many people—and a clear indication of the failure of integration policies.
Housing is more than just square meters—it is a matter of dignity, inclusion, and security. Yet in many places, social hotspots are emerging where poverty, cultural isolation, and crime are becoming increasingly concentrated. FOKUS aims to foster urban integration, not entrench it: through housing initiatives, smart award criteria, and investments in neighborhoods with a promising future. After all, anyone who wants integration must also take urban planning seriously.
Social progress requires clear rules and integration
Social openness and inclusion are values of which Europe can be proud. But if we want to preserve them, we must not ignore the conditions necessary for them: Integration works only if it is based on reciprocity—on rights and responsibilities. Social tensions are evident in many European cities today because political decisions in recent decades have often been too averse to conflict. For too long, there has been an attempt to please everyone—including those who neither want to integrate nor contribute to society. This has fostered parallel structures, abuse of the welfare state, and, in some regions, a measurable rise in crime.
But these problems can be solved—if we address them. Integration requires guidance, clear rules, and consistency. Anyone who wants to live here permanently must learn our language, respect our values, and actively participate. Those who refuse to do so—or who even oppose our social order—must expect sanctions, whether legal, social, or related to immigration policy. Europe’s openness is not a self-service store; rather, it is based on shared principles.
FOKUS advocates for a measured shift in migration policy: one that is humanitarian toward those in need of protection, but firm toward those who take advantage of the system. And for a state that grows stronger, not weaker—including internally. After all, internal security is a fundamental prerequisite for freedom, trust, and social cohesion.
Openness requires order. Helpfulness requires boundaries. Freedom requires security.
Despite all the problems, all of these points provide compelling reasons for optimism. They show that Europe has learned from the mistakes of the past and is constantly working toward a more humane and inclusive society.
The Technological Revolution and Making Everyday Life Easier
The past 80 years have brought technological breakthroughs that have fundamentally changed everyday life—to the benefit of most people. Technology that was still science fiction in 1945 is now a reality: computers, the Internet, cell phones, satellite navigation, and modern medical and transportation technology have created a level of comfort and opportunities that earlier generations could only dream of.
A striking example is communication: 80 years ago, a letter took days to arrive, and international phone calls were expensive—today, we communicate with the world in real time via smartphone. Knowledge that used to be accessible only in libraries is now digitally available to everyone. This global interconnectedness creates transparency, facilitates education, and strengthens democratic participation.
Mobility has also made tremendous strides. Traveling across Europe in just a few hours—what used to take days is now an everyday occurrence. Thanks to open borders and modern transportation infrastructure, mobility is easier than ever before.
Household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and central heating have replaced physically demanding work and made everyday life much easier. What used to take hours of housework is now done by machines—a development that has improved quality of life and promoted equality.
Last but not least, Europe has achieved great success in the fields of science and research. European researchers and engineers have contributed to the exploration of space (from Sputnik and the moon landing to Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station), helped found the Internet (the World Wide Web was invented in 1989 at CERN in Switzerland), and won numerous Nobel Prizes in medicine, physics, and chemistry. Technological progress drives economic growth and productivity and also provides solutions to current problems—from renewable energy to the digitization of services. This relentless innovation gives us confidence that Europe can also master future challenges.
Environment and Sustainability
A frequently expressed concern relates to the environment —there are undoubtedly major challenges here, such as climate change. Nevertheless, the past decades have also shown positive trends in this area in Europe that give cause for optimism. Environmental awareness and protection have increased enormously since the 1970s. The EU and its member states have introduced strict environmental regulations that curb the worst effects of air and water pollution. Europe’s air quality has improved significantly since the 1970s, following the enactment of laws regulating pollutant emissions from transportation, industry, and energy production. A prime example is the decline in urban smog: smog episodes like the “Great Smog” in London in 1952, which claimed thousands of lives, are a thing of the past. Emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and soot have been drastically reduced— Europe has cut emissions of traditional air pollutants by as much as 70–90 % from their peak levels, resulting in cleaner air and less acid rain. Rivers that were biologically “dead” around 1950 (such as the heavily polluted Ruhr or Thames) are now so clean again, thanks to environmental protection measures, that fish have returned. These improvements show that decisive action on environmental protection is paying off.
Europe is also leading the way in climate protection. While global CO₂ emissions are still rising, the EU has managed to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions—despite economic growth. Between 1990 and 2022, the EU-27 reduced its net emissions by about 31 %, while gross domestic product grew substantially over the same period. This decoupling effect —economic growth accompanied by falling emissions—gives reason to hope that prosperity and climate protection are compatible. Europe is investing heavily in renewable energy: wind farms in the North Sea, solar energy in Southern Europe, hydropower in the Alps—the share of green electricity in the energy mix is rising steadily. In 2020, around 38% of the EU’s electricity already came from renewable sources, and the trend is upward. At the same time, dependence on highly polluting coal-fired power plants is steadily decreasing, which further reduces emissions. In addition, European cities are increasingly relying on public transit, electric mobility, and green spaces to improve quality of life and reduce emissions.
Of course, there is still much to be done, but the progress made so far shows that a sustainable shift is possible. Europe has binding climate targets (at least a 55 % reduction in emissions by 2030, climate neutrality by 2050) and is putting environmental policy at the center of its agenda. Eighty years ago, there was no international environmental protection—today, however, all European countries are working together on agreements and solutions (from the Paris Agreement to EU nature conservation directives). This joint effort toward a clean, livable environment is a testament to forward-thinking and is yet another reason to look to the future with optimism.
Conclusion: Reason for Optimism
Populists thrive on pointing out problems without offering solutions. Instead, they spread pessimism and ignore any progress that doesn’t fit their narrative. We have shown that Europe has made enormous progress in recent decades—and that there are good reasons to remain optimistic. But we also don’t shy away from acknowledging where the problems lie. Because true optimism requires honesty: about migration, about security, about social cohesion. Only if we take these issues seriously can progress stay on track—and democracy remain credible.
A comparison of today’s circumstances with those of 80 years ago clearly shows that our present surpasses the “good old days” in almost every respect. Europe has evolved from a continent ravaged by war into a region of peace, freedom, and prosperity. Europeans live longer, healthier, and, for the most part, safer lives than their great-grandparents’ generation. They enjoy a higher standard of living, more rights and freedoms, better education, and a wider range of opportunities. Of course, there are problems and setbacks today as well—from economic crises to wars to global warming—but historical perspective teaches us that humanity can overcome major challenges. In light of the two world wars, dictatorships, and crises of the 20th century, today’s difficulties seem surmountable, especially since we have more knowledge, technology, and international cooperation at our disposal than ever before.
The facts give us reason to remain optimistic: Europe has proven over the past few decades—and is proving once again—that it can change for the better. This positive change provides a strong foundation on which we can continue to build. On average, every generation in Europe has been better off than the one before it—and if we heed the lessons of the past, this success story will continue into the future.
The challenges of the 21st century that have been discussed call for foresight and innovation. Europe is not at the end of this journey, but rather at the beginning of a new phase of transformation. With the right policies, we can achieve the ecological transformation of the economy, further strengthen education and research, ensure equitable social systems, build technological sovereignty, and take care of our own defense. FOKUS stands for this confidence in our ability to shape the future and for an optimistic Europe that believes in itself and has confidence in its own capabilities.
Europe in 2025 is certainly not perfect, but it is freer, safer, more prosperous, and a better place to live than ever before. We must spread this message in order to counter the populists’ narrative of fear with a fact-based, positive vision of the future. After all, there is reason for optimism: The past has shown that we can have fundamental confidence in progress—for the benefit of current and future generations in Europe. In many ways, today is the best time to live in Europe—and together, we can make sure that the future will be even better.
The Future Is Built on Trust
Europe’s history is not one of stagnation, but one of change—from a continent of war to one of peace, from deprivation to inclusion, from mistrust to cooperation. Populism thrives on alienation and a lack of remembrance. We counter this with a positive, fact-based worldview—one that does not deny what has happened, but also does not forget what has been achieved.
FOKUS.
The fact-based alternative to populism.
