The Sound of Economics

Ben McWilliams, Bruegel researcher on electricity and carbon pricing, and Ignacio García Bercero, experienced EU trade and climate negotiator, unpack the EU’s carbon border adjustment. They discuss which sectors and countries face the biggest hits. They debate how to trace emissions for electricity, the political and WTO implications, and how CBAM interacts with carbon markets and industrial policy.

Alicia García-Herrero, a senior fellow at Bruegel focusing on China and international economics, and Jürgen Matthes from the German Economic Institute, delve into the implications of the undervalued yuan on Europe's economy. They explore the stark trade deficit that has emerged since the pandemic and discuss China's pricing strategies, often undercutting Western competitors by 30-50%. The conversation highlights the need for effective policy responses, weighing the risks of protectionism against the urgent necessity for action to prevent hollowing out European industries.

Johan Van Overtveldt, a Belgian politician and chairman of the European Parliament's Budget Committee, joins Zsolt Darvas, a Bruegel senior fellow focused on EU budget reform. They dive into the contentious negotiations over the EU's €2 trillion budget, especially regarding financing for agriculture and support for Ukraine. Johan highlights the challenges posed by member-state divisions, while Zsolt advocates for prioritizing European public goods. The discussion also touches on innovative funding ideas like using frozen Russian assets and the complexities of agricultural reform in a politically charged environment.

Join Mario Mariniello, a senior digital policy researcher at Bruegel, and Bertin Martens, an economist specializing in digital markets, as they navigate the complexities of EU tech regulations. They discuss the ambitious digital omnibus and its potential to streamline governance while raising concerns over data protection. The conversation dives into the challenges of data fragmentation, the need for better access to non-rival data, and the geopolitical race with the US and China. They emphasize the importance of significant long-term strategies for Europe's tech future.

Join Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director of Bruegel, Simone Tagliapietra, Senior Fellow focusing on energy policy, and Reinhilde Veugelers, innovation expert, as they tackle Europe's identity crisis. They dive into how Europe can support Ukraine, the challenges of the Green Deal, and the need for strategic autonomy. The trio discusses the transformative impact of AI on scientific research and the importance of collaboration between France and Germany for future reforms. With the EU at a crossroads, can it emerge as a leader by 2025?

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie is joined by Professor Amita Batra, of Jawaharlal Nehru University's Centre for South Asian Studies, and Bruegel Senior Fellow Ignacio Garcia Bercero to discuss the European Union-India trade relationship and its potential. What scope is there for a free trade agreement, particularly regarding tricky sectors like steel and automotive manufacturing? How will Europe’s new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affect the dynamic? Is there room for closer cooperation given the geopolitical pressures posed by the United States and China? Working together, India’s growth and the EU’s trade experience have the potential to find more common ground, if political obstacles can be overcome.Related research:  Batra, A. (2022) India’s Trade Policy in the 21st Century, Routledge García-Bercero, I. and A. Sapir (2025) ‘The time is right to make a European Union-India trade deal happen’, Policy Brief 19/2025, Bruegel

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan sits down with Alicia García-Herrero and Marc Hijink to examine the Nexperia case – the Dutch semiconductor firm owned by China’s Wingtech – and how it became a flashpoint in Europe’s evolving relationship with China. We unpack how corporate governance disputes, US export controls, Chinese industrial policy and Europe’s growing focus on tech sovereignty collided in a single, high-stakes conflict.This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox!

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie discusses Ukraine peace talks with Bruegel’s Guntram Wolff and Nicolas Véron, and how the EU can manage the high-stakes standoff between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington. Over the past week, proposals from both sides of the Atlantic have jumpstarted efforts to find a way to stop the fighting. The EU is also locked in an internal debate over how to leverage Russia’s frozen cash to help Ukraine, a debate that affects the euro’s global reputation as well as the current budget. Bruegel’s experts take on the debate and gauge its chances for moving forward or petering out.Related research: Charles Lichfield & Nicolas Véron, An EU reparations loan is the right way to help Ukraine, Bruegel First Glance, 14 October 2025 Mejino-López, J. and G. Wolff (2025) ‘Europe’s dependence on US foreign military sales and what to do about it’ Policy Brief 27/2025, Bruegel

Join Georg Zachmann, a Bruegel economist focused on energy transition, and Jos Delbeke, former Director General of the European Commission's climate division, as they explore innovative solutions for carbon credits. Zachmann proposes using EU targets to create a global carbon buyers club, while Delbeke emphasizes enhancing the EU Emissions Trading System without direct foreign credits. They discuss the governance challenges, the role of the private sector in maintaining reputation, and advocate for proactive European leadership in global climate efforts.

Alexandra Jour-Schroeder, Deputy Director General at the European Commission's DG FISMA, and Silvia Merler, a Bruegel fellow specializing in sustainable finance, dive into essential themes around financial literacy and investment in the EU. They address the importance of trust in banks and the need for a holistic approach to financial education. The duo discusses innovative proposals like an easy-to-open EU savings account and plans for national ambassadors to champion financial literacy, tackling market fragmentation along the way.