The future of the European forests is at risk due to our changing climate. To observe the effects of climate change, we often look at the large trees. But the young trees are the future of the forest and are also the most vulnerable. The current drought is the biggest threat to young trees. A recent study published in Ecological Modelling by Wageningen University & Research and forest inventory institutes from 11 EU countries highlights new signals in the critical young phase of the forest. Forest rejuvenation—the process in which new trees establish themselves and start to grow—is very important for the future forest structure, biodiversity, growth and resilience of the forest. When new trees start to grow, it marks the beginning of an important process. This phase is crucial for the future forest. Predicting forest regeneration at a European scale was very limited.