Past, present and future forest growth has been, is and will be influenced by climate variability. This multifaceted relationship has been assessed in several regional studies, but spatially resolved large-scale analyses are largely lacking. Here we estimate recent changes in the growth of 5800 beech trees ( Fagus sylvatica L.) from 324 sites, representing the entire geographic and climatic range of the species. Future growth trends were projected considering the most modern climate scenarios. Validated models indicate a decline in growth over a large distribution area in recent decades and project significant future growth declines ranging from -20 % to more than -50 % by 2090, depending on the region and climate change scenario (i.e. CMIP6 SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5). Projected forest productivity losses are most pronounced towards the southern distribution limit. Fagus sylvatica , in regions where persistent high-pressure atmospheric systems are expected to increase drought severity. Projected growth changes in the 21st ^century in Europe indicate serious ecological and economic consequences that require immediate adaptation of forests. (Edurne Martinez del Castillo, Christian S. Zang, Martin de Luis, more on nature.com)