Yuyun Zhan and Alicia García-Herrero discuss China's economic engagements in Africa, addressing criticisms on FDI, trade, and opacity. They compare China's impact to Europe, debt restructuring challenges, manufacturing hurdles, US/Europe vs. China's approaches, and China's investments in tech and infrastructure.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie is joined by Bruegel fellow Ben McWilliams and Johanna Schiele, a Policy Officer at the Innovation Fund in the European Commission, to discuss the benefits and challenges of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Throughout this episode, they explore whether hydrogen could be used as alternative to the extracting and burning of fossil fuels, explaining the hurdles that need to be addressed for it to become a mainstream energy solution. With strategic support and investments, hydrogen could play a significant role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie discusses the current global trade landscape with Penny Naas, of the German Marshall Fund and Atlantic Council, and Niclas Poitiers from Bruegel. They explore the challenges of balancing economic resilience, protectionism, and the push for green technologies amid these transformations. Naas and Poitiers provide insights into the rationale behind the differing approaches of the US and EU towards tariffs and industrial subsidies, as well as the broader impact on global trade relations. They also touch on the role of the WTO in navigating these complex dynamics and the future of international trade policies.

Rebecca Christie sits down with Jean Pisani-Ferry and André Sapir to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections in France, amidst growing voter dissatisfaction and legislative gridlock. They discuss the political intrigues behind the upheaval and highlight the potential consequences of a National Rally-dominated assembly, which could obstruct European Union decisions and implement protectionist and anti-EU policies, creating significant roadblocks for European integration and economic policies. On top of that, they also discuss the reactions from financial markets and potential turmoil for French budget.

EU proposes tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles due to alleged unfair subsidies, sparking discussions on changing global trade dynamics. Experts analyze China's industrial policy and overcapacity issues, potential impact on EU market reputation and world trade. Insights on EU Commission's shift on trade interventions, implications for global south countries like Brazil and India.

Tony Connelly and David Gow discuss EU-UK relations post-Brexit, focusing on Scottish, Northern Irish, and Welsh roles, upcoming UK elections, and Irish unity prospects. They explore challenges in negotiations, customs union complexities, evolving EU free movement landscape, and rising support for a United Ireland. Global uncertainties and political shifts are also analyzed, including concerns over far-right rise and future direction of Europe amidst shifting dynamics.

Janneke Hermes, CFO at Nederlandse Gasunie, joins host Dirk Schoenmaker to discuss how corporate finance can align with sustainability goals, guiding funds to accelerate the green transition. They explore new models for firms to quantify social and environmental costs, while ensuring returns for investors. The conversation delves into transitioning to green technologies and the role of the financial sector in driving sustainability worldwide.

Debate featuring EU political party representatives discussing economic issues, EU budget, growth, and single market. Podcast explores party views, potential outcomes of elections, and future EU economic policies. Focus on coalition dynamics, policy proposals, and voting considerations in upcoming European elections.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan talks to Bruegel Senior fellow Alicia García-Herrero and President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Jens Eskelund, about foreign companies doing business and investing in China. They discuss the difficulties of navigating current geopolitical tensions as well as China’s domestic environment. Jens presented the latest results from the European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2024, which shows that despite the re-opening of China’s borders in early 2023, business confidence in the market continued on a downward trend. They discuss what measures the Chinese government has pursued to appeal to investors, debating whether they are persuasive enough. 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!

Bruegel Director Jeromin Zettelmeyer and CEPR President Beatrice Weder di Mauro discuss Europe's need for economic security amidst global uncertainties. They explore de-risking imports, combating economic coercion from China, and building resilience against potential shocks. The podcast highlights the delicate balance between competitiveness and security concerns in decision-making.