CoR Foresight Network explores scenario-building through the Corsica Pruspettiva 2050 project

The second meeting of the CoR Foresight Network of EU Cities and Regions took place online on 17 June 2026, bringing together more than twenty representatives from cities, regions and EU-level foresight experts to exchange practical experience on building scenarios in regional planning. The discussion focused on how scenario-building can support local and regional authorities in preparing for multiple uncertainties.

The main case presented was Corsica Pruspettiva 2050, a long-term foresight exercise developed by the Corsican Assembly. Presented by Corinne Idda from the Cabinet of the Secretary General of the Assembly, the project explores four possible futures for Corsica by 2050. The exercise was designed not to predict the future, but to make possible developments more explicit, identify vulnerabilities and tensions, and support public decision-making in a context of uncertainty.

The Corsica case showed how scenario work can bring together political steering, expert input, public debate and participatory methods into a shared framework for long-term reflection. The discussion also highlighted several conditions for successful foresight, including strong political leadership, broad institutional support, expert engagement, collective validation and the ability to move beyond sector-specific thinking towards a more systemic approach.

The meeting also included a methodological presentation by Laurent Bontoux from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on scenario development and scenario exploration. Participants discussed how scenarios can support visioning, identify transition pathways, define milestones and clarify where policy action is needed, helping foresight move from analysis to practical use in policymaking. A short JRC foresight study on the future of democracy was also presented, highlighting the impact of AI on democratic systems.

Overall, the exchange underlined that scenario-building can be a useful tool for cities and regions when it is clearly linked to decision-making and policy action. To be effective, scenarios need to help policymakers identify vulnerabilities, explore possible pathways and translate long-term thinking into concrete choices for the future.