Europe is living through a fragile moment. What for decades was a project of political integration, economic cooperation, and ethical inspiration now seems engulfed in confusion, blurring its voice on the international stage. Its role as a civil power —defending multilateralism, sustainability, and human rights— is being challenged both from outside and within.
“Es precisamente en los momentos de encrucijada cuando más se necesita la valentía cívica, la acción transformadora y el compromiso de cada un@. Porque es desde cada ciudad, cada territorio, cada comunidad, desde donde puede volver a encenderse la luz de Europa”
The world is once again becoming multipolar: the United States turns inward, frightening Von der Leyen with impossible trade deals. Meanwhile, China imposes its economic and technological pace, free from the ethical constraints that define the European ideal. At the same time, the advance of authoritarian discourses erodes the values of democracy: cooperation, solidarity, diversity, and the rule of law.
European competitiveness is faltering. Climate action, where Europe once led the way, is losing traction against short-term energy interests. Technological innovation is slowing down. And more seriously still: the shared narrative is cracking.
Passivity in the face of horror in Gaza, lukewarm defense of human rights, and paralysis before the rise of the far right paint the picture of a hesitant Europe, retreating into itself, on the verge of betraying its own founding spirit.
But as Benedetti urged: we do not give up. Even if the cold burns, even if fear bites, even if the sun sets and the wind falls silent, there is still fire in Europe’s soul, there is still life in its dreams. For every day is a beginning, and this is the time, the best moment.
This magazine gathers part of that effort —the refusal of many to surrender. We showcase examples of the brave who drive processes of change: from climate planning to the knowledge economy, from local innovation communities to sustainable urban models.
It is precisely at crossroads like these that civic courage, transformative action, and personal commitment are most needed. For it is from every city, every territory, every community that the light of Europe will shine again.
Editorial from our summer publication, with this and more keys to transition.
