In this discussion, Carlo Martuscelli, a political journalist at POLITICO, and Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING Think, dive into Europe’s economic stagnation compared to powerhouses like the U.S. and China. They explore the impact of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, especially on Germany’s manufacturing sector. The guests highlight the cultural barriers to entrepreneurship in Germany, the urgent need for economic reforms, and the political dynamics influencing European competitiveness. Their insights illuminate the pressing challenges facing Europe today.