Future is Blue

In this discussion, Hans Dubois, a Senior Research Manager at Eurofound, joins housing expert Carlos Carnicero Urabayen to tackle Europe’s housing crisis. They delve into the staggering impact of soaring rents on young adults, forcing many to live with parents. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of various housing policies and innovative solutions like the 'housing first' model. They also emphasize the need for greater investment from EU member states to enhance housing affordability and reduce homelessness, fostering a more secure future for the youth.

Alice Faibishenko, a Senior Advisor at Funcas, discusses the evolution of Spain's labor market, highlighting its resilience against high unemployment. She explores long-term unemployment issues, especially for young graduates and less-skilled workers facing systemic barriers. Faibishenko notes the remarkable recovery post-crisis, with over a million new jobs created from 2021 to 2023. The importance of effective public policies to enhance job quality and leverage youth potential for economic growth also takes center stage.

Sander Tordoir, a Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, discusses Europe's response to rising economic nationalism from superpowers. He highlights Europe's cautious strategies compared to the aggressive tactics of the US and China, emphasizing the need for policy reform. The dialogue explores the importance of technological collaboration and a unified approach to green industry, while underscoring the critical role of the single market in maintaining Europe's economic strategy and autonomy.

Patricia Sánchez Juanino, a trade dynamics expert in the EU, joins Carlos Carnicero Urabayen to dissect the evolving landscape of European trade. They discuss the ripple effects of Brexit and geopolitical tensions on intra-EU exports. The duo highlights shifting trade relations with major partners like the US and China, and the fallout from sanctions on Russia. They also delve into the EU's trade in services, digitalization trends, and strategies for enhancing competitiveness in a challenging global market. It's a captivating look at Europe’s future trade dynamics!

Alice Faibishenko, a Senior Advisor at Funcas with a wealth of knowledge on the Spanish economy, delves into Spain's prospects for 2024. She discusses the impressive GDP growth compared to the eurozone, despite challenges like declining investment. Household finances are explored, revealing a shift in demographics and the impact on younger generations. Additionally, the resilient housing market is analyzed, highlighting rising prices and the need for policy changes to improve affordable housing options in urban areas.

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.

Alice Faibishenko, a Senior Advisor at Funcas, discusses Spain's economic resilience amidst geopolitical challenges. She highlights the impact of the Gaza conflict on GDP growth and the crucial role of internal demand. The tourism sector is making a comeback, particularly with a surge in visitors from the Americas and China, despite regional struggles like in Catalonia. Faibishenko also examines economic vulnerabilities, including rising interest rates affecting the mortgage market and how households are adjusting their financial strategies.

In this podcast show Carlos Carnicero Urabayen talks to Raymond Torres, Funcas Europe Director, to analyse the situation regarding public deficits and debt after the pandemic, the Ukraine war and the energy crisis.

Sander Tordoir, Senior Economist at the Centre for European Reform, shares great insights about the Commission investigation into Chinese state subsidies affecting cars imported to Europe.  Carlos Carnicero Urabayen is Future is Blue host.