Jens Suedekum, an economics professor, and Niclas Poitiers, a researcher at Bruegel, dive into the challenges facing Germany ahead of the crucial 2025 federal elections. They analyze the stagnation of the German economy since 2019 and the difficulties in adapting economic strategies amidst external shocks. The discussion highlights the political fallout from the Traffic Light Coalition's collapse and critiques the government's focus on issues like heat pumps, arguing for a more robust approach to bolster growth and stability in a volatile global landscape.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie is joined by Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation, and Bruegel fellows Jean Pisani-Ferry and Alissa M. Kleinnijenhuis to discuss the urgent financial steps needed to address climate change: Now that the US has pulled back, the EU is needed more than ever to help mobilise crucial funds and guard against the costs of inaction. They explore the economic arguments for green investments, potential sources of funding, and the role of China in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. How much money is needed and where will it come from? Why is combatting climate change an economic necessity? 

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we delve into the future of space in Europe, examining the challenges and opportunities ahead. Host Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, is joined by Hermann Ludwig Moeller, Director of the European Space Policy Institute, and Reinhilde Veugelers, Bruegel Senior fellow. Together, they discuss the financial landscape of space exploration, the role of private and public sectors, and the critical intersection of space with security and defense. They also explore the growing demand for space services and the funding mechanisms needed to support Europe’s ambitions in space. Tune in for expert insights and recommendations on how Europe can move forward in this rapidly evolving field.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan invites Alicia Garcia Herrero and Ana Krstinovska to delve into China's expanding footprint in the Western Balkans and its implications for Europe's economic security and strategic autonomy. They explore the region's strategic importance and analyze how China's developments in the region impact the EU's neighborhood policy and economic security.

Jean Pisani-Ferry, Bruegel’s first Director and co-founder, offers insights into two decades of European economic policy-making. Nicolas Véron reflects on Bruegel's role in fostering impactful dialogue, inspired by U.S. think tanks. Caroline de Gruyter highlights the unique challenges and collaborations within the European landscape. They discuss the significance of innovative non-profit structures and Bruegel's adaptability, including its response to global challenges, the implications of Brexit, and the evolving relationship with Asia.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie sits down with MEP Aura Salla and Bruegel Senior Fellow Fiona Scott Morton to discuss the EU’s evolving tech regulation landscape. The conversation spans critical issues such as the Digital Markets Act, GDPR enforcement, data sovereignty, and the EU’s quest to foster innovation while curbing the dominance of global tech giants. With insights on strategic autonomy, market harmonisation, and the balance between regulation and innovation, the speakers highlight the challenges and opportunities in making the EU a competitive global tech player.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie is joined by James Baxter, Ambassador, Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO, and Ignacio García Bercero, a Bruegel Non-resident fellow and former EU trade official, to discuss the 30-year journey of the World Trade Organization. Together, they examine the achievements and crises that have shaped the WTO, delve into the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, and explore opportunities for reform in dispute settlement, digital trade, and sustainable development.

How will the EU springboard from the tumult of 2024 to meet the challenges ahead? In this episode of the Sound of Economics, Bruegel director Jeromin Zettelmeyer and senior fellows Heather Grabbe and André Sapir discuss the year that was with host Rebecca Christie. Industrial policy, tensions with China and the U.S., and green transition’s immense financing needs all figure in to Europe’s quest to become more competitive. Will the EU be prepared for the next crisis? Browse through Bruegel's highlights of 2024, a curated collection of our research in the past year.

Heather Grabbe, a Senior Fellow at Bruegel, and Thomas Viegas, Nature strategy lead at Aviva, explore the vital connection between biodiversity and finance. They discuss the systemic risks of biodiversity loss and highlight the integration of nature conservation into business strategies. The duo emphasizes the urgency of reforming harmful subsidies and aligning economic frameworks with natural limits. They also touch on innovative financial tools needed for sustainability and the high socio-economic costs of ecosystem degradation, advocating for the intrinsic value of nature.

The EU’s Global Gateway Initiative aims to mobilize €300 billion for global infrastructure by 2027, but how does it compare to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? Host Yuyun Zhan discusses this with Alicia García-Herrero and Romana Vlahutin. They explore the initiative’s origins, progresses and challenges, and how Europe can sharpen its strategy to balance development goals with economic interests. 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!