The Sound of Economics

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.

Former NATO Spokesperson, Oana Lungescu, discusses the cooperation between NATO and the EU in supporting Ukraine post-Russia invasion. Topics include joint defense strategies, financing for Ukraine, and the impacts of Brexit on defense alliances.

Experts Bertin Martens, Kai Zenner, and Rebecca Christie delve into the complexities of EU digital laws, discussing key regulations like the Digital Markets Act and AI Act. They explore challenges in policy-making, the need for external supervision, and improving regulatory processes for better tech policy in the EU.

Economic expert Alicia García-Herrero and tech analyst Paul Triolo discuss China's innovation drive, US-China tech rivalry, and key tech sectors like semiconductors and biotech. They explore China's tech evolution, industrial strategy, and the geopolitical implications of the rivalry. Insightful discussion on government policies, national security concerns, and the competitive landscape in the tech industry.

Bruegel and the Financial Times partnered up to host a debate featuring representatives from EU political parties on EU economic issues, specifically competitiveness and growth, economic security and green transition. Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel Senior fellow Heather Grabbe, FT Europe correspondent Andy Bounds, also moderator of the debate, to unpack the views they gathered from the debate. What economic visions did the parties present? Are they impressed or convinced by some ideas? Listen to find out. ICYMI, watch the debate recording here!

Climate change is a rising threat to European financial stability, says European Stability Mechanism chief economist Rolf Strauch on this episode of The Sound of Economics. Together with Bruegel non-resident fellow Stavros Zenios and host Rebecca Christie, Strauch discusses how the EU can rally to protect itself from future shocks and keep its sovereign debt backstops ready to meet future needs.