2025 is a special year for the European Buddhist Union (EBU): it marks the 50th anniversary of our union. This anniversary invites us to reflect on the current state of Buddhism and on future prospects and challenges, both in the short and long term. The central question, therefore, is: what kind of Buddhism can we imagine for the future? Is it already possible to identify the characteristics of what might emerge in the coming decades? In short, can we truly begin to speak of a Western Buddhism capable of addressing society’s most urgent issues and offering interpretative keys to its complexity?
Over the past fifty years, Buddhism has established a solid presence in Europe, evolving into a rich and diverse phenomenon. It encompasses various branches and interconnections of the different Asian Buddhist traditions. However, Buddhism’s unique capacity to transcend traditional categories — whether religion, philosophy, practice, or way of life — offers Europe something even deeper: a sensitivity, an understanding, and an existential stance that resonates with a wide spectrum of individuals. This includes not only practitioners, but also intellectuals, researchers, activists, and sympathizers whose worldviews have been profoundly influenced by Buddhist teachings.
Buddhism 2075: a day of reflection in Vienna
From this complex landscape, we want to begin imagining what European Buddhism might look like fifty years from now. For this reason, the EBU, in collaboration with the UBI Study Center, has organized a day of reflection and dialogue entitled Buddhism 2075: Shaping the Identity of European Buddhism. The conference was held in Vienna on April 25, on the occasion of the annual general assembly, which, as every year, gathers members from all over Europe. The conference takes a dynamic format, favoring debate over monologues and encouraging interaction between speakers and the audience.
An evolving European identity
This exploration delves into the boundaries of an evolving European Buddhist identity in an era of profound cultural, technological, social, and political transformations. The first and perhaps most compelling question we face is: does a distinctly European (or Western) form of Buddhism already exist? Are we witnessing a process of cultural adaptation in Europe similar to how Buddhism historically integrated into local cultures throughout Asia? Where are we in this process, and what changes when the cultural backdrop is modern, rooted in secularism and scientific thought? These questions naturally lead us to explore the relationship between Buddhism and science, beyond superficial reconciliations. This is not only an academic debate, but also concerns the way these ideas shape the authentic inner lives of practitioners. How closely should contemporary Buddhism remain tied to its traditional roots? And how much should it embrace its intrinsic capacity for renewal — its anti-dogmatic, critical, and non-metaphysical spirit?
This also raises questions about Buddhism’s original monastic vocation, which has remained central but has never been its only historical expression. While monasticism has been a strong component, Buddhism has also flourished among lay practitioners and in a variety of cultural contexts. Does European Buddhism still need monasteries, or should it evolve into new forms that reflect the needs of contemporary practitioners?
Does a distinctly European (or Western) form of Buddhism already exist? Are we witnessing a process of cultural adaptation in Europe? Where are we in this process, and what changes when the cultural backdrop is modern, rooted in secularism and scientific thought?
The Dharma and the questions of our time
Moreover, how should the Dharma address the pressing social issues facing democratic Europe, where polarized debates divide liberal and conservative ideologies? Topics such as gender equality, racism, social inclusion, and bioethics are just some of the many issues dominating today’s public discourse. Other critical areas include environmental ethics, freedom of expression, and the challenges of migration. These are complex questions with significant identity and political implications. Should European Buddhists take a stance on these matters, or should Buddhism remain outside such debates to avoid being shaped by the biases of contemporary society?
Toward a shared foundation
And finally, the most important and challenging question: is it possible to find common ground, a shared foundation among the various forms of Buddhism that have taken root in Europe? These different forms already coexist in the same cities and within national and transnational Buddhist unions. But can they not only coexist, but also foster a deeper sense of unity and collaboration within these shared spaces? This invites us to consider the still-untapped potential of a truly unified Buddhist community. Perhaps this is precisely where we should begin: laying the foundations for a spiritual and ethical perspective capable of contributing to the course of the new millennium.
About the author
Stefano Davide Bettera is President of the European Buddhist Union. He is a writer, philosopher and journalist, and alternates his work as an author with teaching. More information: www.stefanobettera.com