Raymond Torres

Sander Tordoir, an expert on European competitiveness, and Raymond Torres, a commentator on economic policy, dive into Mario Draghi’s pivotal report. They discuss Europe's urgent need for strategic solutions to combat economic stagnation and enhance productivity. The conversation highlights the challenges facing the EU tech sector, the delicate balance between decarbonization and competitiveness, and the political hurdles posed by key players like Germany and France. Together, they advocate for increased funding and responsibility to rejuvenate Europe’s economy.

Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform, and Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe, discuss Europe's post-election economic scene. They dive into the rise of populist parties and its impact on policies like the Green Deal. The two experts highlight the urgent need for increased investment and market integration to address productivity challenges in major economies. They also tackle digital transformation, stressing the necessity for a unified approach to boost competitiveness against global players. A roadmap for sustainable growth emerges!

Professor Iain Begg, affiliated with the London School of Economics, and Raymond Torres, Director of Funcas Europe, dive deep into the complexities of the EU budget. They discuss historical challenges and the urgent need for reforms to address future enlargements like Ukraine and Moldova. The contentious Common Agricultural Policy and new fiscal rules are explored, revealing the tension between traditional spending and emerging priorities. They advocate for innovative solutions to ensure sustainable and transparent EU finances amid these evolving challenges.

Vinzenz Ziesemer, Director at the Institute voor Publieke Economie, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, delve into the EU's newly minted fiscal rules. They discuss how these measures aim to be more flexible, yet raise concerns about their responsiveness to pressing geopolitical issues. The conversation also highlights the crucial balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in green initiatives amid rising interest rates. Lastly, they tackle the uneven impact of these rules on different member states and the risks of mismanaging state aid.

Sander Tordoir, a Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, and Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, share insights on the EU economy and lessons from 2023. They discuss the resilience of Europe's economy amid global competition and monetary policy shifts. The guests analyze structural challenges and the need for a proactive approach to inflation. They also highlight the importance of balancing fiscal policies with necessary investments, and argue for clearer communication on economic challenges as the EU prepares for upcoming elections.