Future Compass for Europe 2025: potential, values, identity
Since the 80th European Forum Alpbach (#EFA25) successfully discussed Europe’s future, we contribute a series of analyses at the interface of business, politics and society – describing a European Future Compass as a consolidated result.
European Future Compass: Leveraging potential, rediscovering values, enabling identity
Cologne, 08 September 2025 – Geopolitical power shifts, technological disruption and social polarisation are shaping Europe’s current situation. Instead of constructive solutions, political responses are often ideological: right-wing politics fuel negative images of ‘exploitation’ or ‘foreign infiltration’, while left-wing politics get caught up in narratives of re-distribution and expropriation. Both sides instrumentalise diversity instead of developing Europe’s core brand into the future.
“Populism reinforces Europe’s problems while the solution is already on the table: Diversity is a geopolitical asset, innovation driver and cohesion factor,” pinpoints Michael Stuber, researcher & publicist for culture, D&I and leadership (https://de.michael-stuber.biz).
Resolving the identity crisis: analyses – full of perspectives
All political camps are calling for security, resilience and prosperity. But many debates focus on pseudo problems instead of viable strategic solutions or get caught up in ideological camp debates. “National interests and narratives have always been toxic to Europe’s progress,” warns Michael Stuber, who is also a board member of the alumni network Les Anciens d’AEGEE, adding that “nationalist contributions in particular are often lacking any factual basis, whatsoever.” This is why he and his team produced the series “Diversity unites business and prosperity” over the summer months, which covered ten current issues – from polarisation and activism, European values and cohesion to leadership and demographics. Each analysis showed that diversity is not a nice-to-have social phenomenon and certainly not a burden, but the central enabler. It is the basis for prosperity, transforms tensions into creative power and ensures the ability to act politically and socially (more information: https://en.diversitymine.eu).
Future Compass for Europe
Even though each analysis unpacks a different field, the researchers found consistent themes and identified overarching areas of action. The result is the presented European Future Compass – five guiding ideas at the interface of economy, politics and society that can lead European debates out of the impasse.
“Rediscovering the European ‘we’ – this is our mission and responsibility. Only with an identity that works equally well for everyone will we achieve the solidarity that makes us strong and reliable – for each other and in the world.” – Michael Stuber, member of the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leader Network
1 Overcoming polarisation – making common ground visible
EFA25 has once again highlighted the risks of social division. Diversity provides a solution: it connects through belonging and makes common interests visible. Differences are transformed from an explosive topic into a bridge – if everyone is addressed.
Implication: Political communication must broaden the concept of diversity by using commonalities as a basis instead of ideological markers.
2 Europe as a role model – living ‘Unity in Diversity’ authentically
Europe asserts itself in geopolitical competition with its core branding ‘unity in diversity’ – if it demonstrates the ability to act, internally, and credibility, externally.
Implication: European policy should recognise diversity as a geopolitical success factor – not just as an issue of participation
3 Diversity as a democratic resource – and challenge
EFA25 discussed the fragility of democratic systems. Constructive friction and thus stability is created through practiced diversity: when voices are heard and dialogues succeed, legitimacy is created – and attempts of disintegration fail.
Implication: The political discourse must self-critically understand where it has lost dissenters – and practice inclusion not only in social policy.
4 Strengthening purpose and the capacity for dialog – instead of regulatory frenzy
A broad purpose and visionary leadership will determine whether Europe regains the trust of the post-war decades. Diversity is both a test case and a resource: those who integrate perspectives, combine strengths and balance interests build bridges and demonstrate leadership without exercising power.
Implication: All European stakeholders must find their way back to visionary and inclusive leadership that reaches people by conveying a strong image of the future for all.
5 Future in prosperity – only with demographic design
Demographic change, identified by the EFA25 as a key risk, can divide societies. Active shaping, e.g. intergenerational dialog or increased employment of women and migrants, benefits everyone – increases knowledge, and promotes innovation & cohesion.
Implication: Age diversity, ethnic and gender equity should become part of a positive future narrative – not cliché images.
Conclusion: Diversity as a European Future Compass
“We are experiencing a paradoxical situation: diversity is being misused for political campaigns, while it represents Europe’s most integrative resource.” – Michael Stuber
The ten analyses show: A broad-based, inclusive diversity concept
* defuses polarization,
* strengthens Europe’s position in global competition,
* stabilises democracies,
* solves the demographic problem of the future
* forms the central value and strengthens Europe’s brand
That is why politics must recognise diversity as a steering principle and shape it as a lever for sustainability – not just as a social justice factor. A society that sees diversity as its binding force will be rewarded with cohesion.
Links to the series ‘Diversity unites business and prosperity’
Since July 2025 https://www.openpr.com/news/archive/274729/Ungleich-Besser-European-Diversity-Engineering-D-I.html
May – July 2025 https://www.openpr.com/news/archive/272869/Ungleich-Besser-Diversity-Consulting.html
