The understanding of the European continent as a territorial entity is shaped not only by political or economic interests but also by visions of a common future. However, reliance on those visions does not allow for the reverse conclusion: that there was a shared spatial concept of the continent. Instead, the finalities of European “space” underwent radical changes, in particular in the two centuries following the congress of Vienna.

Historians regard the emerging state as the dominant feature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Formerly permeable borders turned into divisive frontlines splitting up the continent (Charles Maier), rather than creating links between regions. Yet, these historical processes also engendered understandings of a future beyond nations, like ideas of European integration but also the European colonialisms and an imperialist mission civilisatrice. Analyzing Europe not only in terms of a spatial entity but rather as a set of diverging base assumptions about “European” spatial futures will likely affect our thinking about its past.

Our panel will trace “European futures” across the 19^th and 20^th centuries. At its focus will be the ways these were conceived and constructed both inside and outside Europe, ranging from the period of the nation-state, to discussions of the “new continent” after WWI and during the Cold War. Thus, the panel takes a closer look to discourses of different agents, such as scientists, diplomats, journalists, the military or economic actors about a common future. This often comprised hierarchical ideas, not necessarily in line with peace bringing and keeping.