In this episode, Sandra Porcar talks to Cristina Ares, Professor of Political Science at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Dr. Ares's research concerns the role of regions in the EU. She shares her understanding of the future as something that is always being created and in which citizens may participate. She expresses some worry about the current tensions between EU member states, and in particular, between national governments and the EU, and stresses the need for a renewed focus on solidarity and a renewed commitment to the European social model. [Date of interview: October 27, 2016]