The Sound of Economics

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we mark a decade since the Greek debt crisis, reflecting past hardships and the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. Host Rebecca Christie is joined by George Papaconstantinou, former Greek Minister of Finance, and Eleni Varvitsioti, journalist and expert on European affairs. Together, they explore Greece’s recovery journey, from the turbulence of the crisis to its recovery and economic growth. They discuss the cautious optimism in Greece today and the resilience of the Greek people, as well as continuing fiscal and political challenges.  The episode mentions the following books:  ‘Game Over: The Inside Story of the Greek Crisis’ by George Papaconstantinou  ‘The Last Bluff: How Greece came face-to-face with financial catastrophe & the secret plan for its euro exit’ by Viktoria Dendrinou and Eleni Varvitsioti  Safeguarding the Euro in Times of Crisis: The Inside Story of the ESM, by the European Stability Mechanism, lead author Rebecca Christie

Expert guests Niclas Poitiers, Uri Dadush, and Ignacio Garcia Bercero from Bruegel dive into the complexities of U.S. tariffs, especially those targeting China and their impact on the EU economy. They explore the geopolitical ramifications of these tariffs and the need for cohesive diplomatic strategies among nations. Discussion also touches on the influence of tariffs on the dollar, inflation, and market reactions. The experts emphasize the importance of a strong European response amid rising tensions and upcoming U.S. elections.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced the EU to reassess its ties with both Moscow and Beijing. As the EU navigates its dependencies on Russian energy, Chinese markets, and US security, how is its long-term strategy evolving? Can Europe maintain a unified stance on China? And what does this mean for global power dynamics? In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan is joined by Alicia García-Herrero, Elina Ribakova, and Ivana Karásková to discuss the shifting landscape of China-EU relations in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Check out Bruegel's research on China and on defence. Ivana recently founded The Women Insight on China (WiCH), a new initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in the field of China studies across Europe. Alicia is a Co-chair for Spain. 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 Ireland's economy with Eamon Gilmore, former Foreign Minister, and Patrick Honohan, former Governor of the Irish Central Bank. They explore Ireland’s recovery from the global financial crisis and current political outlook, alongside issues such as public debt, low interest rates, and rebuilding national confidence. The conversation also covers support for Ukraine, the Irish housing crisis, Ireland’s role in Europe, and evolving relations with the UK in the aftermath of Brexit and the peace process. The episode concludes with the speakers sharing their hopes and concerns for the country’s future.    The episode mentions the book “Europe and the Transformation of the Irish Economy (Elements in Economics of European Integration)” by Patric Honohan and John FitzGerald. Music: McFarley’s Reel, after the playing of John Doherty. 

Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director at Bruegel, and Peter Praet, a seasoned macroeconomist from the ECB, dive into Europe’s economic landscape. They discuss the contrasting growth rates of the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing the need for structural reforms. The conversation highlights the challenges of a weaker euro and the call for fiscal expansion. They also examine the ECB’s monetary policies and the impact of geopolitical tensions on Europe's economy, revealing urgent investment needs and potential strategies to enhance local investment.

Heather Grabbe and Guntram B. Wolff, both Bruegel experts, dive into the shifting geopolitical landscape in Europe driven by the war in Ukraine. They discuss Europe's military and financial response capabilities, addressing whether the EU can fill the security gap left by the U.S. The conversation touches on the complexities of joint military procurement and the need for a unified approach to defense spending. With a focus on Ukraine's potential EU accession and the implications of foreign troop involvement, the dialogue reveals the urgent challenges facing European policymakers.

Since the bursting of China’s real-estate bubble in mid-2021, there has been a growing concern that the country’s economy could end up like that of Japan in the early 1990s. In this episode of the Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan invites Alicia García-Herrero and Jianwei Xu to discuss China’s structural deceleration, the striking similarities and key differences with Japan’s experience, and what this could mean for Europe and the global economy, as explored in their latest policy brief. 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!

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.